I’ve been helping a neighbor with his new PC purchase. To say he’s at a disadvantage is an understatement. He has a limited formal education, speaks broken English, and has no conceptual schema for the world of the computer whatsoever. He’s recently purchased a PC running XP and has upgraded his dialup to qwest dsl.

IE won’t access his private IP address or anything else for that matter. We can ping the modem. In fact, we can ping anything in the ether we want both using IP and URL. So, we have verified that the modem works and is configured properly (I’m able to browse w/o problem with my Mac laptop). But IE won’t browse.

Qwest has verified the computers LAN is properly configured.

With the help of his previous ISP he’s erased any software that their CDs had installed.

With the help of his computer manufacturer he’s cleanly reinstalled XP twice.

I’ve installed alternate browsers (Ffox and Opera) and can’t browse with them either.

So, that’s the extent of my PC-troubleshooting knowledge. Anyone out there have any advice (short of selling the crap to some sucker and buying a Mac)?

Every so often you read something online that makes you want to do something, but you’re not sure what to do. In fact, I’m sure that if one were too look for such experiences, they would abound. Nonetheless, here’s one sitting on your screen about bloggers, death threats, and what fear can do to someone:
http://headrush.typepad.com/creating_passionate_users/2007/03/as_i_type_this_.html 

From Post:

COMPUTER PROGRAMMER

This position is responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining web applications/solutions for the company’s web sites and all other web enabled applications. Technologies include Cold Fusion, Java Script, Transact-SQL in a Microsoft SQL Server Environment. The Cold Fusion developer will work closely with all departments and business units and play key role in the technical architecture and implementation of client projects from discovery to completion. Work load includes new project rollouts and enhancement of existing applications, in addition to maintaining IIS Web Servers and SQL Servers.

Required Skills:

• At least 1 years of Cold Fusion MX and Java Script experience
• Degree in Computer Science or related field.
• HTML, DHTML, MS Access

Experience with the following technologies:

— Server software: Windows 2003, DNS, IIS, MSSQL

Strong understanding of user-interface design Experience with all phases of the project lifecycle, including interaction with team members, project planning, development and presentation Understanding of web analytics (Clicktracks) and SEO Strong documentation and debugging skills. Must be a self-starter and have strong work ethics Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills plus the ability to complete work with minimal guidance and supervision. Candidate must be able to work both independently and as part of a team.  The successful applicant will have strong problem solving and analytical skills.

Desired Skills:

3+ years in client-side web development

Understanding of relational database management system with experience in SQL and stored procedures (SQL Server preferred)

Person to contact is Kristina Dudziak kdudziakATfranchoice.com

This is a vendor of Great Clips, Inc.