🚀 go-pugleaf

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Quite the war in here, and since I was in the beginning, I will resume =
and will side with Brian on most of his statements, and with Medic on a =
few of his.=20

Just reading this, I wanted to make a couple points.

1)  I have never, ever seen the words "Cross-training" in the Cox SOP.

2)  The reasoning behind doing a cold boot it to watch for conflicts, =
miscofigured softwared, Virtual Device Driver's (VXD's) missing, etc.  =
It is not only optional, but recommended to look in the device manager =
or any flagged items (either red X's or yellow !'s and note them on the =
work order if you are still going to do the install)

3)  The proper spelling is Grenades, and "gernades".  Try this =
new-fangled thing called spell check.  It's a hoot!

4)  All data techs do need to know "basic" PC troubleshooting skills.  =
These include both hardware and software, including TCP/IP problems, IRQ =
conflicts, etc.  However, the tech is not responsible for fixing =
problems that existed before he got there.  If he want's to work on it, =
it's at his own risk.

5)  Many, many new computers coming from Gateway, Dell, Compaq, and the =
like are now coming with factory installed NIC's.  However, if there is =
not one installed, the tech can install a NIC or go USB (software =
permitting as Win95 and 98 First Edition don't take to USB very nicely.

Derek



  "Brian" <bswindle@charter.net> wrote in message =
news:3C71E770.F4B7D722@charter.net...
     In 3 years, I have worked with approximately 1000 individual =
internet subscribers and most types of factory built computers. I will =
stand behind everything I stated previously in its entirety. Countless =
times I've been to the homes of those who had messed up their own =
computers on the advice of others. Very seldom have I seen a problem =
where a tech went to a home with a properly functioning computer and =
"messed it up". More often, software had been installed before the cable =
modem installation that caused problems with the install, or there was a =
known or obvious OS problem the tech overlooked or wasn't aware of when =
he got there.=20
     I have not seen a single computer come out of the box with no =
available IRQ's in a long time. Sometimes there aren't many, but I've =
never seen one with none. I have to say some of the newer USB only =
computers could be considered an exception, but they aren't being opened =
up anyway; we're only dealing with a USB driver at that point. I =
personally don't like networking with USB, but you work with what you =
have...=20
   =20
   =20
  PC Medic wrote:=20

     =20
    >"Excerpt from Cox's page.=20
    >20Q. What does the software on the Cox CD-ROM do to my computer?=20
    >20A. The Cox software configures the Internet Explorer browser and =
your computer's network settings to >connect to the Cox High Speed =
Internet service. The software then adds your cox.net email address in =
>Outlook Express and adds Cox newsgroup access. Your current @Home news =
and email settings are still >active. Not entirely true as about all it =
does for network settings is verigy DHCP. While it was good in theory =
has proven less than effective in many cases in the field. Want to screw =
up a customers LAN, pop in that CD and bump them from static to dynamic =
IP's.Even tech support will often recommend against using the CD now. =
>The CD is sent out because man people aren't familiar with their =
network settings, obviously.=20
    >On the issue of cross-training. Most cable companies are now =
training their technicians on the principles >of broadband technology as =
well as basic troubleshooting steps to take when something occurs. Most =
>computers won't have a problem with lack of IRQ's; when it does happen, =
most of the techs I know can >resolve it, unless there just isn't one =
they can use. If they can't they call for help from somebody who can. =
>The rarity of that happening doesn't justify a separate technician just =
to install a NIC; I don't mind assisting >with a few service calls when =
something like that pops up. And you again are proving the exact point I =
was making to the original poster. The tech in the field should =
befamiliar with basic TCP/IP settings and NIC installation. If he is not =
and a problem arises, he is not going to know what to do. And if "most" =
cable companies are traing their technicians on the principles of =
bradband technologie and basic troubleshooting, then guess what, that =
means they are "cross-training" thank you very much. =20
    >I am aware that "sometimes" the NIC will try to share an IRQ. That =
is not a common issue. I've seen a >situation like that 5 or 6 times in =
3 years. 5 or 6 times in 3 years?? Don't get out much do you  :) >Most =
instances I have seen will not enable the card. Once again, if a tech =
has an unusual circumstance, >there is usually another tech with a =
little more knowledge he can call upon to help resolve the issue. Why =
would Charter send an installer out that could not correct such an issue =
on their own? =20
    > The HP, Compaq, E-machines, etc... were made to cater to those who =
don't want to tear into a PC. Most >new ones now come with NIC cards =
already installed. If the machine is working properly, yet doesn't have =
>an available IRQ, it has probably been modified by the owner. Actually, =
I see a good majority of these come out of the box with no available =
IRQ's and and while some of the business and SOHO end systems may have =
NIC installed, rarely see this with home PC packages. >As I think I =
stated before, the only real instance I've seen where there wasn't any =
IRQ available was with >the case of an onboard video card which needed a =
loop through graphics acelerator. I believe it had a PCI >card for USB =
ports as well. That is not a common problem, especially in newer =
computers. Most computers ship with all I/O enabled (Com and LPT), as =
well as USB, sound, video, etc so again, more cases than not IRQ is not =
available or not in proper range. While usually an easy fix, does no =
good if the tech has no clue as to how to do it. =20
    >The most common issues with installing NICs stem from computers =
that had problems before the installer >ever arrived. Many of those =
problems make themselves obvious when booting the systemm so installers =
>are supposed to have the customer shut down and do a reboot before they =
begin.. It would be a good idea >to look at the device manager as well =
to check for flags before opening the machine, but an installer can >do =
that as well. That is not true. The most common problem installing a NIC =
"is" available IRQ. While booting is good to check for existing error =
messages or issues, hardly bullet-proof. As for "flags" in the Device =
manager, again not always an indicator all is well. I have many a time =
had to correct issues with systems that techs with this exact false =
presumption screwed up. >If you don't want an outside tech in your =
system, that is great. Nobody is going to tell you not install your >own =
card. It is only done as a courtesy to the customer to diminish the cost =
of getting the service. Actually the switch to USB modems is doing that. =
No NIC, you go USB.  >Ethernet cards usually go in very easily so the =
cable companies decided to go ahead and have the >installer put them in. =
If they were all going to hire a special tech to do nothing but install =
NICs all day, they >would have to increase the installation cost to the =
consumer. Some companies do it that way, but you will >find the computer =
guy often does double duty himself when not installing NICs. Perhaps at =
Charter, but not all companies.Again though, USB Modems are becoming an =
answer for this also.  =20
    PC Medic wrote:=20
    "Brian" <bswindle@charter.net> wrote in message=20
    news:3C6E9AC8.41A0EAB4@charter.net...=20
    >    The CD Charter Pipeline uses configures network settings such =
as DHCP=20
    and=20
    > DNS, as well as e-mail servers and newsgroup server settings. It =
does=20
    install a=20
    > branded version of Internet Explorer, but those who know their =
system can=20
    remove=20
    > the logo of it bothers them that much. The Charter CD also checks =
some=20
    registry=20
    > values, such as the DefaultRcvWindow, to make sure they are still =
at=20
    default.=20
    > Many dial-up internet optimizer programs scale those settings back =
to=20
    improve=20
    > performance over a slow network, putting a poor cap on your speed. =
That is=20
    just=20
    > one advantage to using the supplied software when setting up a =
cable modem=20
    > connection. If a person is comfortable with doing those things =
manually=20
    there is=20
    > no need to use the CD, but not everyone is.=20
    >=20
    >    I see on the Cox  home page that their CD is advertised to do =
the same=20
    thing.=20
    > Are you saying that is not correct, or have you actually used the =
CD=20
    yourself?=20
    > Obviously, there would be little sense to sending out the CD if it =
didn't=20
    do=20
    > anything at all; which is what you seem to be implying. It doesn't =

    configure=20
    > Netscape settings, but it does get IE and Outlook Express up and =
running.=20
    Please provide the URL where it states the CD configures all your =
network=20
    settings.=20
    The CD installs and configures a Cox branded version of IE/OE along =
with=20
    other various troubleshooting utilities. They send it out because =
contrary=20
    to your beliefs, the majority of internet users coming on line to =
day are=20
    clueless when it comes to completing what others may consider a =
simple task.=20
    This is a result of the PC being pushed in every store from Wal-Mart =
to Best=20
    buy as a home appliance.=20
    Everybody's gotta have one, but once they get them, they don't know =
what=20
    they are going to do with it.=20
    >=20
    >    Installation of the NIC card and connection to the modem is =
actually a=20
    > painless process and there is no reason a cable installer with =
basic=20
    computer=20
    > knowledge shouldn't be able to complete the entire job, without an =

    additional=20
    > trip being necessary. That is not 'cross-training';  just training =
an=20
    installer=20
    > to do the entire job.=20
    It's "cross-training" if you are using a cable TV installer to =
install=20
    broadband.=20
    I have seen cable techs that could not tell you the difference =
between a ISA=20
    and a PCI slot. And why should they, it was never their job and they =
may not=20
    have any personal interest in PC's outside of work either. If the =
NIC is not=20
    already installed, is the "Cable Guy" going to know enough to verify =
the=20
    customer has an available IRQ "BEFORE" he starts reconfiguring their =
system.=20
    Is the cable guy going to be familiar enough with PC's to know that =
simply=20
    shutting down the PC is not sufficient when installing an expansion =
card?,=20
    or is he going to plug the card in while there is still voltage on =
the slots=20
    as is the case in ATX boards.=20
    So yes, cross training is needed.=20
    From my experience, the only time there is a problem is if=20
    > the computer already has a problem or doesn't have the resources =
needed to=20
    work=20
    > with the ethernet card (ie... lack of IRQ's, due to peripherals, =
or hard=20
    drive=20
    > space).  It is the customers' responsibility to make sure they =
have a=20
    properly=20
    > functioning machine for the NIC to be installed in.=20
    A machine that has no open IRQ for an additional card to be =
installed is=20
    indeed functioning properly.=20
    But again, the average Joe doesn't have a clue as to what an IRQ is, =
let=20
    alone if they have one available.=20
    At this point it becomes the installers job to determine this BEFORE =
he=20
    fudges the system by creating resource conclicts.=20
     Registry and hardware=20
    > problems are not the responsibility of the installer to correct. =
SOP is=20
    for the=20
    > installer to have the customer shut down and reboot the PC before =
any work=20
    is=20
    > done; if it has any errors on start-up, the installer should =
politely=20
    inform the=20
    > customer they need to have the problem corrected and call back to=20
    reschedule the=20
    > installation. Many times I've seen an install attempted where a =
person=20
    said "Oh=20
    > it's always done that, I just click through it", only to hear =
claims later=20
    that=20
    > the installer messed up the PC because the sound card or printer =
didn't=20
    work=20
    > after the card was installed. Often it turns out there were not =
enough=20
    IRQ's=20
    > available, the PC had dead slots on the board, or the registry was =

    corrupted.=20
    > That's why it's better to prevent bad feelings ahead of time and =
politely=20
    inform=20
    > the customer that we can't proceed with the installation until the =

    computer=20
    > issue has been resolved.=20
    Of course if the system has errors on boot then you would possibly =
not=20
    proceed (depending on the type of error), but, rebooting a PC is NOT =
going=20
    to tell the installer that there is an available IRQ. And if he is =
not=20
    trained to verify there is one, the customer probably will be =
calling after=20
    he leaves to complain about lost sound, or other issues.=20
    >=20
    >    Basically, the installer isn't there to fix the computer; just =
to add a=20
    NIC=20
    > to a properly functioning PC. Anything beyond that is not his job. =
If the=20
    > machine won't accept a NIC it has a problem, and the customer =
needs to=20
    have that=20
    > problem corrected themselves.=20
    You obviously aren't aware that the system will almost always accept =
the NIC=20
    even if it attempts to share the IRQ with another device. What two =
devices=20
    should never share resources with another device, yet Windows will =
report=20
    they are functioning properly?=20
    > What you are saying, is that you want the cable=20
    > company to send out a computer technician who is able to correct =
problems=20
    with=20
    > your PC that existed before they attempted to install the cable =
modem=20
    service.=20
    No, actually I said I do not let outside techs in my system at all. =
I am=20
    saying that the technicians being sent out should know how to =
resolve things=20
    like a simple IRQ conflict in the PC should one occur after the =
install of=20
    the NIC. Even in a system with an available IRQ (and in the proper =
range for=20
    a NIC) can have a conflict occur after the card is installed. Or do =
you feel=20
    that the tech should say "Hey, broadband is working great!, sorry we =
screwed=20
    up your printing services though".=20
    > The installation of a NIC in a 'properly functioning' PC is almost =

    automatic and=20
    > just about anybody could do it if they aren't afraid to open their =

    computer up.=20
    "almost", and "just about", only count in Horse Shoes and Hand =
Gernades!=20
    And you continue to verify what I am saying. It is not a perfect =
world when=20
    it comes to PC's. That is why plug-n-play is often called =
plug-n-pray, AND=20
    why the tech does need to be cross-trained with basic PC knowledge.=20
    >=20
    > PC Medic wrote:=20
    >=20
    > > "atakicker" <nospam@nospam.net> wrote in message=20
    > > news:gXib8.10520$SJ3.387856@news1.east.cox.net...=20
    > > >=20
    > > > "PC Medic" wrote in message=20
    > > > > The person dropping the cable should not be the same person=20
    installing=20
    > > the=20
    > > > > cable modem.=20
    > > > > If you do not have a drop already in the room where the PC =
will be,=20
    it=20
    > > > > should have been scheduled separate from the PC and modem=20
    configuration.=20
    > > >=20
    > > >     Not in my world. I had cable TV and internet installed on =
the same=20
    > > day.=20
    > > > One guy came out and ran the drop from the pole to the house =
and=20
    hooked up=20
    > > > the TV. Later that day another one came out and ran from the =
box under=20
    the=20
    > > > eave of the house (which was installed by the first guy) to =
the=20
    computer,=20
    > > > which is in a different room. The only thing he didn't do was =
drill=20
    > > through=20
    > > > the cinder block wall. I did it for him because I have a 100 =
pound=20
    mean=20
    > > a__=20
    > > > dog in the yard. (But I did use his tools). And he did have a =
problem,=20
    he=20
    > > > screwed up my irq settings and couldn't get my sound card to =
work.=20
    After=20
    > > 45=20
    > > > minutes of watching him scratch his head and three calls to =
someone=20
    (?), I=20
    > > > ran him off and reset everything myself.=20
    > >=20
    > > Sounds like they are having trouble getting broadband installers =
in your=20
    > > area and may be cross-training cable techs. This is not the =
desired (or=20
    SOP)=20
    > > method but unfortunately done in some areas. I must say that you =
were=20
    brave=20
    > > in the fact that you even let him touch your PC! I would not do =
this and=20
    > > would have stopped them at the modem. Anything beyond there =
becomes,=20
    "excuse=20
    > > me while I make the required settings".=20
    > >=20
    > > By the way, Why didn't he just use the magic CD?   :)=20
    > > These types of  problems are exactly why I was telling the "Cox=20
    Contractor"=20
    > > that YES, they do need networking knowledge, because contrary to =
his=20
    claims,=20
    > > the CD is not a fix all and only configures you IE and Outlook =
Express=20
    not=20
    > > your network or hardware settings.=20
    > >=20
    > > >=20
    > > >=20
    >


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<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Quite the war in here, and since I was =
in the=20
beginning, I will resume and will side with Brian on most of his =
statements, and=20
with Medic on a few of his.&nbsp;</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Just reading this, I wanted to make a =
couple=20
points.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>1)&nbsp; I have never, ever seen the =
words=20
"Cross-training" in the Cox SOP.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>2)&nbsp; The reasoning behind doing a =
cold boot it=20
to watch for conflicts, miscofigured softwared, Virtual Device Driver's =
(VXD's)=20
missing, etc.&nbsp; It is not only optional, but recommended to look in =
the=20
device manager or any flagged items (either red X's or yellow !'s and =
note them=20
on the work order if you are still going to do the install)</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>3)&nbsp; The proper spelling is =
Grenades, and=20
"gernades".&nbsp; Try this new-fangled thing called spell check.&nbsp; =
It's a=20
hoot!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>4)&nbsp; All data techs do need to know =
"basic" PC=20
troubleshooting skills.&nbsp; These include both hardware and software,=20
including TCP/IP problems, IRQ conflicts, etc.&nbsp; However, the tech =
is not=20
responsible for fixing problems that existed before he got there.&nbsp; =
If he=20
want's to work on it, it's at his own risk.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>5)&nbsp; Many, many new computers =
coming from=20
Gateway, Dell, Compaq, and the like are now coming with factory =
installed=20
NIC's.&nbsp; However, if there is not one installed, the tech can =
install a NIC=20
or go USB (software permitting as Win95 and 98 First Edition don't take =
to USB=20
very nicely.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>Derek</FONT></DIV>
<DIV>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT>&nbsp;</DIV>
<BLOCKQUOTE dir=3Dltr=20
style=3D"PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px; =
BORDER-LEFT: #000000 2px solid; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px">
  <DIV>"Brian" &lt;<A=20
  href=3D"mailto:bswindle@charter.net">bswindle@charter.net</A>&gt; =
wrote in=20
  message <A=20
  =
href=3D"news:3C71E770.F4B7D722@charter.net">news:3C71E770.F4B7D722@charte=
r.net</A>...</DIV>&nbsp;&nbsp;=20
  In 3 years, I have worked with approximately 1000 individual internet=20
  subscribers and most types of factory built computers. I will stand =
behind=20
  everything I stated previously in its entirety. Countless times I've =
been to=20
  the homes of those who had messed up their own computers on the advice =
of=20
  others. Very seldom have I seen a problem where a tech went to a home =
with a=20
  properly functioning computer and "messed it up". More often, software =
had=20
  been installed before the cable modem installation that caused =
problems with=20
  the install, or there was a known or obvious OS problem the tech =
overlooked or=20
  wasn't aware of when he got there. <BR>&nbsp;&nbsp; I have not seen a =
single=20
  computer come out of the box with no available IRQ's in a long time. =
Sometimes=20
  there aren't many, but I've never seen one with none. I have to say =
some of=20
  the newer USB only computers could be considered an exception, but =
they aren't=20
  being opened up anyway; we're only dealing with a USB driver at that =
point. I=20
  personally don't like networking with USB, but you work with what you =
have...=20
  <BR>&nbsp; <BR>&nbsp;=20
  <P>PC Medic wrote:=20
  <BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=3D"CITE">
    <STYLE></STYLE>
    &nbsp; <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt;"Excerpt from =
Cox's=20
    page.</FONT></FONT>=20
    <P><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt;20Q. What does the =
software on the Cox=20
    CD-ROM do to my computer?</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =

    size=3D-1>&gt;20A. The Cox software configures the Internet Explorer =
browser=20
    and your computer=92s network settings to &gt;connect to the Cox =
High Speed=20
    Internet service. The software then adds your cox.net email address =
in=20
    &gt;Outlook Express and adds Cox newsgroup access. Your current =
@Home news=20
    and email settings are still &gt;active.</FONT></FONT>&nbsp;<FONT=20
    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>Not entirely true as about all it does =
for network=20
    settings is verigy DHCP. While it was good in theory has proven less =
than=20
    effective in many cases in the field. Want to screw up a customers =
LAN, pop=20
    in that CD and bump them from static to dynamic =
IP's.</FONT></FONT><FONT=20
    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>Even tech support will often recommend =
against=20
    using the CD now.</FONT></FONT>&nbsp;<FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>&gt;The=20
    CD is sent out because man people aren't familiar with their network =

    settings, obviously.</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>&gt;On=20
    the issue of cross-training. Most cable companies are now training =
their=20
    technicians on the principles &gt;of broadband technology as well as =
basic=20
    troubleshooting steps to take when something occurs. Most =
&gt;computers=20
    won't have a problem with lack of IRQ's; when it does happen, most =
of the=20
    techs I know can &gt;resolve it, unless there just isn't one they =
can use.=20
    If they can't they call for help from somebody who can. &gt;The =
rarity of=20
    that happening doesn't justify a separate technician just to install =
a NIC;=20
    I don't mind assisting &gt;with a few service calls when something =
like that=20
    pops up.</FONT></FONT>&nbsp;<FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>And =
you again are=20
    proving the exact point I was making to the original poster. The =
tech in the=20
    field should be</FONT></FONT><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>familiar with=20
    basic TCP/IP settings and NIC installation. If he is not and a =
problem=20
    arises, he is not going to know what to do. And if "most" cable =
companies=20
    are traing their technicians on the principles of bradband =
technologie and=20
    basic troubleshooting, then guess what, that means they are =
"cross-training"=20
    thank you very much.</FONT></FONT>&nbsp; <BR><FONT =
face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>&gt;I am aware that "sometimes" the NIC will try to share =
an IRQ.=20
    That is not a common issue. I've seen a &gt;situation like that 5 or =
6 times=20
    in 3 years.</FONT></FONT>&nbsp;<FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>5 =
or 6 times=20
    in 3 years?? Don't get out much do you&nbsp; =
:)</FONT></FONT>&nbsp;<FONT=20
    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt;Most instances I have seen will not =
enable the=20
    card. Once again, if a tech has an unusual circumstance, &gt;there =
is=20
    usually another tech with a little more knowledge he can call upon =
to help=20
    resolve the issue.</FONT></FONT>&nbsp;<FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>Why=20
    would Charter send an installer out that could not correct such an =
issue on=20
    their own?</FONT></FONT>&nbsp; <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>&gt; The=20
    HP, Compaq, E-machines, etc... were made to cater to those who don't =
want to=20
    tear into a PC. Most &gt;new ones now come with NIC cards already =
installed.=20
    If the machine is working properly, yet doesn't have &gt;an =
available IRQ,=20
    it has probably been modified by the owner.</FONT></FONT>&nbsp;<FONT =

    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>Actually, I see a good majority of =
these come out=20
    of the box with no available IRQ's and and while some of the =
business and=20
    SOHO end systems may have NIC installed, rarely see this with home =
PC=20
    packages.</FONT></FONT>&nbsp;<FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>&gt;As I think I=20
    stated before, the only real instance I've seen where there wasn't =
any IRQ=20
    available was with &gt;the case of an onboard video card which =
needed a loop=20
    through graphics acelerator. I believe it had a PCI &gt;card for USB =
ports=20
    as well. That is not a common problem, especially in newer=20
    computers.</FONT></FONT>&nbsp;<FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>Most computers=20
    ship with all I/O enabled (Com and LPT), as well as USB, sound, =
video, etc=20
    so again, more cases than not IRQ is not available or not in proper =
range.=20
    While usually an easy fix, does no good if the tech has no clue as =
to how to=20
    do it.</FONT></FONT>&nbsp; <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>&gt;The most=20
    common issues with installing NICs stem from computers that had =
problems=20
    before the installer &gt;ever arrived. Many of those problems make=20
    themselves obvious when booting the systemm so installers &gt;are =
supposed=20
    to have the customer shut down and do a reboot before they begin.. =
It would=20
    be a good idea &gt;to look at the device manager as well to check =
for flags=20
    before opening the machine, but an installer can &gt;do that as=20
    well.</FONT></FONT>&nbsp;<FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>That is =
not true.=20
    The most common problem installing a NIC "is" available IRQ. While =
booting=20
    is good to check for existing error messages or issues, hardly =
bullet-proof.=20
    As for "flags" in the Device manager, again not always an indicator =
all is=20
    well. I have many a time had to correct issues with systems that =
techs with=20
    this exact false presumption screwed up.</FONT></FONT>&nbsp;<FONT=20
    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt;If you don't want an outside tech =
in your=20
    system, that is great. Nobody is going to tell you not install your =
&gt;own=20
    card. It is only done as a courtesy to the customer to diminish the =
cost of=20
    getting the service.</FONT></FONT>&nbsp;<FONT face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>Actually the switch to USB modems is doing that. No NIC, =
you go=20
    USB.</FONT></FONT>&nbsp;<FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>&nbsp;&gt;Ethernet=20
    cards usually go in very easily so the cable companies decided to go =
ahead=20
    and have the &gt;installer put them in. If they were all going to =
hire a=20
    special tech to do nothing but install NICs all day, they &gt;would =
have to=20
    increase the installation cost to the consumer. Some companies do it =
that=20
    way, but you will &gt;find the computer guy often does double duty =
himself=20
    when not installing NICs.</FONT></FONT>&nbsp;<FONT =
face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>Perhaps at Charter, but not all =
companies.</FONT></FONT><FONT=20
    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>Again though, USB Modems are becoming =
an answer for=20
    this also.</FONT></FONT>&nbsp;&nbsp; <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>PC=20
    Medic wrote:</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>"Brian"=20
    &lt;bswindle@charter.net&gt; wrote in message</FONT></FONT> =
<BR><FONT=20
    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1><A=20
    =
href=3D"news:3C6E9AC8.41A0EAB4@charter.net">news:3C6E9AC8.41A0EAB4@charte=
r.net</A>...</FONT></FONT>=20
    <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The CD =
Charter=20
    Pipeline uses configures network settings such as DHCP</FONT></FONT> =

    <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>and</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT=20
    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt; DNS, as well as e-mail servers and =
newsgroup=20
    server settings. It does</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>install a</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>&gt;=20
    branded version of Internet Explorer, but those who know their =
system=20
    can</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>remove</FONT></FONT>=20
    <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt; the logo of it bothers =
them that=20
    much. The Charter CD also checks some</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT=20
    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>registry</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT =
face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>&gt; values, such as the DefaultRcvWindow, to make sure =
they are=20
    still at</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>default.</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>&gt; Many=20
    dial-up internet optimizer programs scale those settings back=20
    to</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>improve</FONT></FONT>=20
    <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt; performance over a slow =
network,=20
    putting a poor cap on your speed. That is</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT=20
    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>just</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT =
face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>&gt; one advantage to using the supplied software when =
setting up a=20
    cable modem</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>&gt;=20
    connection. If a person is comfortable with doing those things=20
    manually</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>there=20
    is</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt; no need =
to use the=20
    CD, but not everyone is.</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>&gt;</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>&gt;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I see on the Cox&nbsp; home page =
that their=20
    CD is advertised to do the same</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT =
face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>thing.</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>&gt; Are you=20
    saying that is not correct, or have you actually used the =
CD</FONT></FONT>=20
    <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>yourself?</FONT></FONT> =
<BR><FONT=20
    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt; Obviously, there would be little =
sense to=20
    sending out the CD if it didn't</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT =
face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>do</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>&gt; anything at=20
    all; which is what you seem to be implying. It doesn't</FONT></FONT> =

    <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>configure</FONT></FONT> =
<BR><FONT=20
    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt; Netscape settings, but it does get =
IE and=20
    Outlook Express up and running.</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT =
face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>Please provide the URL where it states the CD configures =
all your=20
    network</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>settings.</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>The CD=20
    installs and configures a Cox branded version of IE/OE along=20
    with</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>other =
various=20
    troubleshooting utilities. They send it out because =
contrary</FONT></FONT>=20
    <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>to your beliefs, the majority =
of internet=20
    users coming on line to day are</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT =
face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>clueless when it comes to completing what others may =
consider a=20
    simple task.</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>This is a=20
    result of the PC being pushed in every store from Wal-Mart to=20
    Best</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>buy as a =
home=20
    appliance.</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>Everybody's=20
    gotta have one, but once they get them, they don't know =
what</FONT></FONT>=20
    <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>they are going to do with=20
    it.</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>&gt;</FONT></FONT>=20
    <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; =
Installation of=20
    the NIC card and connection to the modem is actually a</FONT></FONT> =

    <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt; painless process and =
there is no=20
    reason a cable installer with basic</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT =
face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>computer</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>&gt;=20
    knowledge shouldn't be able to complete the entire job, without=20
    an</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>additional</FONT></FONT>=20
    <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt; trip being necessary. =
That is not=20
    'cross-training';&nbsp; just training an</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT=20
    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>installer</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT =
face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>&gt; to do the entire job.</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT =
face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>It's "cross-training" if you are using a cable TV =
installer to=20
    install</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>broadband.</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>I have=20
    seen cable techs that could not tell you the difference between a=20
    ISA</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>and a PCI =
slot. And why=20
    should they, it was never their job and they may not</FONT></FONT> =
<BR><FONT=20
    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>have any personal interest in PC's =
outside of work=20
    either. If the NIC is not</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =

    size=3D-1>already installed, is the "Cable Guy" going to know enough =
to verify=20
    the</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>customer =
has an=20
    available IRQ "BEFORE" he starts reconfiguring their =
system.</FONT></FONT>=20
    <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>Is the cable guy going to be =
familiar=20
    enough with PC's to know that simply</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT=20
    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>shutting down the PC is not sufficient =
when=20
    installing an expansion card?,</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT =
face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>or is he going to plug the card in while there is still =
voltage on=20
    the slots</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>as is =
the case in=20
    ATX boards.</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>So =
yes, cross=20
    training is needed.</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>From my=20
    experience, the only time there is a problem is if</FONT></FONT> =
<BR><FONT=20
    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt; the computer already has a problem =
or doesn't=20
    have the resources needed to</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT =
face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>work</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>&gt; with the=20
    ethernet card (ie... lack of IRQ's, due to peripherals, or=20
    hard</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>drive</FONT></FONT>=20
    <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt; space).&nbsp; It is the =
customers'=20
    responsibility to make sure they have a</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT=20
    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>properly</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT =
face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>&gt; functioning machine for the NIC to be installed=20
    in.</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>A machine =
that has no=20
    open IRQ for an additional card to be installed is</FONT></FONT> =
<BR><FONT=20
    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>indeed functioning =
properly.</FONT></FONT>=20
    <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>But again, the average Joe =
doesn't have a=20
    clue as to what an IRQ is, let</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT =
face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>alone if they have one available.</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT=20
    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>At this point it becomes the installers =
job to=20
    determine this BEFORE he</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>fudges the system by creating resource =
conclicts.</FONT></FONT>=20
    <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&nbsp;Registry and =
hardware</FONT></FONT>=20
    <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt; problems are not the =
responsibility=20
    of the installer to correct. SOP is</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT =
face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>for the</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>&gt;=20
    installer to have the customer shut down and reboot the PC before =
any=20
    work</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>is</FONT></FONT>=20
    <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt; done; if it has any =
errors on=20
    start-up, the installer should politely</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT=20
    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>inform the</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT =
face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>&gt; customer they need to have the problem corrected and =
call back=20
    to</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>reschedule=20
    the</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt; =
installation. Many=20
    times I've seen an install attempted where a person</FONT></FONT> =
<BR><FONT=20
    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>said "Oh</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT =
face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>&gt; it's always done that, I just click through it", only =
to hear=20
    claims later</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>that</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>&gt; the=20
    installer messed up the PC because the sound card or printer=20
    didn't</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>work</FONT></FONT>=20
    <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt; after the card was =
installed. Often=20
    it turns out there were not enough</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT =
face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>IRQ's</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>&gt;=20
    available, the PC had dead slots on the board, or the registry=20
    was</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>corrupted.</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>&gt;=20
    That's why it's better to prevent bad feelings ahead of time and=20
    politely</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>inform</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>&gt; the=20
    customer that we can't proceed with the installation until =
the</FONT></FONT>=20
    <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>computer</FONT></FONT> =
<BR><FONT=20
    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt; issue has been =
resolved.</FONT></FONT>=20
    <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>Of course if the system has =
errors on=20
    boot then you would possibly not</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT =
face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>proceed (depending on the type of error), but, rebooting a =
PC is NOT=20
    going</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>to tell =
the installer=20
    that there is an available IRQ. And if he is not</FONT></FONT> =
<BR><FONT=20
    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>trained to verify there is one, the =
customer=20
    probably will be calling after</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT =
face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>he leaves to complain about lost sound, or other=20
    issues.</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>&gt;</FONT></FONT>=20
    <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; =
Basically, the=20
    installer isn't there to fix the computer; just to add =
a</FONT></FONT>=20
    <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>NIC</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT=20
    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt; to a properly functioning PC. =
Anything beyond=20
    that is not his job. If the</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT =
face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>&gt; machine won't accept a NIC it has a problem, and the =
customer=20
    needs to</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>have=20
    that</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt; =
problem corrected=20
    themselves.</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>You =
obviously=20
    aren't aware that the system will almost always accept the =
NIC</FONT></FONT>=20
    <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>even if it attempts to share =
the IRQ with=20
    another device. What two devices</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT =
face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>should never share resources with another device, yet =
Windows will=20
    report</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>they are =
functioning=20
    properly?</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt; =
What you are=20
    saying, is that you want the cable</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT =
face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>&gt; company to send out a computer technician who is able =
to=20
    correct problems</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>with</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>&gt; your PC=20
    that existed before they attempted to install the cable =
modem</FONT></FONT>=20
    <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>service.</FONT></FONT> =
<BR><FONT=20
    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>No, actually I said I do not let =
outside techs in=20
    my system at all. I am</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>saying that the technicians being sent out should know how =
to=20
    resolve things</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>like a=20
    simple IRQ conflict in the PC should one occur after the install=20
    of</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>the NIC. =
Even in a=20
    system with an available IRQ (and in the proper range =
for</FONT></FONT>=20
    <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>a NIC) can have a conflict =
occur after=20
    the card is installed. Or do you feel</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT=20
    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>that the tech should say "Hey, =
broadband is working=20
    great!, sorry we screwed</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>up=20
    your printing services though".</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT =
face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>&gt; The installation of a NIC in a 'properly functioning' =
PC is=20
    almost</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>automatic=20
    and</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt; just =
about anybody=20
    could do it if they aren't afraid to open their</FONT></FONT> =
<BR><FONT=20
    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>computer up.</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT=20
    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>"almost", and "just about", only count =
in Horse=20
    Shoes and Hand Gernades!</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>And you continue to verify what I am saying. It is not a =
perfect=20
    world when</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>it =
comes to=20
    PC's. That is why plug-n-play is often called plug-n-pray, =
AND</FONT></FONT>=20
    <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>why the tech does need to be=20
    cross-trained with basic PC knowledge.</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT=20
    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt;</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT =
face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>&gt; PC Medic wrote:</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT =
face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>&gt;</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>&gt; &gt;=20
    "atakicker" &lt;nospam@nospam.net&gt; wrote in message</FONT></FONT> =

    <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt; &gt; <A=20
    =
href=3D"news:gXib8.10520$SJ3.387856@news1.east.cox.net">news:gXib8.10520$=
SJ3.387856@news1.east.cox.net</A>...</FONT></FONT>=20
    <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt; &gt; &gt;</FONT></FONT> =
<BR><FONT=20
    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt; &gt; &gt; "PC Medic" wrote in=20
    message</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt; =
&gt; &gt; &gt;=20
    The person dropping the cable should not be the same =
person</FONT></FONT>=20
    <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>installing</FONT></FONT> =
<BR><FONT=20
    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt; &gt; the</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT=20
    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt; &gt; &gt; &gt; cable =
modem.</FONT></FONT>=20
    <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt; &gt; &gt; &gt; If you do =
not have a=20
    drop already in the room where the PC will be,</FONT></FONT> =
<BR><FONT=20
    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>it</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT =
face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>&gt; &gt; &gt; &gt; should have been scheduled separate =
from the PC=20
    and modem</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>configuration.</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>&gt;=20
    &gt; &gt;</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt; =
&gt;=20
    &gt;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Not in my world. I had cable TV and =
internet=20
    installed on the same</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>&gt;=20
    &gt; day.</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt; =
&gt; &gt;=20
    One guy came out and ran the drop from the pole to the house=20
    and</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>hooked =
up</FONT></FONT>=20
    <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt; &gt; &gt; the TV. Later =
that day=20
    another one came out and ran from the box under</FONT></FONT> =
<BR><FONT=20
    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>the</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT =
face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>&gt; &gt; &gt; eave of the house (which was installed by =
the first=20
    guy) to the</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>computer,</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>&gt; &gt;=20
    &gt; which is in a different room. The only thing he didn't do was=20
    drill</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt; &gt; =

    through</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt; =
&gt; &gt; the=20
    cinder block wall. I did it for him because I have a 100 =
pound</FONT></FONT>=20
    <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>mean</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT=20
    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt; &gt; a__</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT=20
    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt; &gt; &gt; dog in the yard. (But I =
did use his=20
    tools). And he did have a problem,</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT =
face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>he</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>&gt; &gt; &gt;=20
    screwed up my irq settings and couldn't get my sound card to=20
    work.</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>After</FONT></FONT>=20
    <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt; &gt; 45</FONT></FONT> =
<BR><FONT=20
    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt; &gt; &gt; minutes of watching him =
scratch his=20
    head and three calls to someone</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT =
face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>(?), I</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>&gt; &gt;=20
    &gt; ran him off and reset everything myself.</FONT></FONT> =
<BR><FONT=20
    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt; &gt;</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT =
face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>&gt; &gt; Sounds like they are having trouble getting =
broadband=20
    installers in your</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>&gt;=20
    &gt; area and may be cross-training cable techs. This is not the =
desired=20
    (or</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>SOP)</FONT></FONT>=20
    <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt; &gt; method but =
unfortunately done=20
    in some areas. I must say that you were</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT=20
    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>brave</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT =
face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>&gt; &gt; in the fact that you even let him touch your PC! =
I would=20
    not do this and</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>&gt; &gt;=20
    would have stopped them at the modem. Anything beyond there=20
    becomes,</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>"excuse</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>&gt; &gt;=20
    me while I make the required settings".</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT=20
    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt; &gt;</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT =
face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>&gt; &gt; By the way, Why didn't he just use the magic=20
    CD?&nbsp;&nbsp; :)</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>&gt;=20
    &gt; These types of&nbsp; problems are exactly why I was telling the =

    "Cox</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>Contractor"</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>&gt;=20
    &gt; that YES, they do need networking knowledge, because contrary =
to=20
    his</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>claims,</FONT></FONT>=20
    <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt; &gt; the CD is not a fix =
all and=20
    only configures you IE and Outlook Express</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT=20
    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>not</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT =
face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>&gt; &gt; your network or hardware settings.</FONT></FONT> =
<BR><FONT=20
    face=3DArial><FONT size=3D-1>&gt; &gt;</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT =
face=3DArial><FONT=20
    size=3D-1>&gt; &gt; &gt;</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
size=3D-1>&gt;=20
    &gt; &gt;</FONT></FONT> <BR><FONT face=3DArial><FONT=20
    =
size=3D-1>&gt;</FONT></FONT></P></BLOCKQUOTE></BLOCKQUOTE></BODY></HTML>

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