Mike,
sometimes there are blockages on the Internet between you and the site you want. The trouble can be as small as a single router, or a whole region due a key backbone having trouble. Either way, you cannot get thru. You can get an idea if there are widespread problems by checking at internetweather.com
To pinpoint the source of your troubles in real-time takes one of the utilities that can check the specific route between you and a given URL. You run a "trace route": type in the URL and it lists the "hops" and the lapse time across each; you can see a slow or blocked connection by where there are delays or no response. I use "Mac TCP Watcher", and I'm sure there are comparable utils for other platforms. Then I call my local ISP, who can doublecheck -- and sometimes kick things loose if it is just a localized trouble. Your e.mail address suggests you are on AOL, so maybe their customer service number can help you out, next time it happens.
BTW -- IQ occasionally has trouble with their servers, too. There was a rash of this some months ago, but they've been clean lately. Not out of the question, tho... If they are down, their Cust-Serv-# can confirm. Won't change a thing, but at least you'll know; worth a phone call, if you are hot on a trade.
Hope this helps. |
