I have a fast connection (>=cable modem) at my work but for some reason I can't run a couple of programs. First off, AOL Instant Messenger can't sign-on, and secondly, I can't listen to music from Winamp because it doesn't connect whenever I choose a song to listen to.
Would I be able to change the settings on my computer to enable these things?

I thought about going over and asking the IT guys to do it for me but I just started working for this company and don't wanna try that just yet http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

could be a few things, if the PC is on a network, there maybe a network firewall/proxy setup to only allow certain things, ie email, browising etc

Where are the files located that you're trying to play (network drive, locally, streaming over the internet)? Can you even browse the internet? http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/dunno.gif

Need more info...

I had the same problem with aim, first when your about to click sign on, click on setup instead. You'll see a button down on the right when the screen appears that says connection. Click that. Then when that opens you will see a button up top that says auto configure. That will look for open ports in the network that is can run aim through. Thats how I got mine online at work.
Also for winamp it sounds like the music got moved or something? Find out what directory the music is in and reload the list.
Good Luck

From what I gather is that they probably have some ports blocked that don't allow AIM and you to stream music. Most company's frown upon some of that stuff.

aim will run over any port, so company's tend to block login.oscar.aol.com (this is the main auth server), there are a bunch of others, so if they blocked those, you will never be able to use aim. Same goes for music, streaming audio tends to suck up huge amounts of bandwidth, and is often blocked in corperate enviroments.