Questions and Troubles

I used ff trial a long time ago on my old system with no problems. Loved it. Now I have a brand new computer running windows 8 that I'm setting up today and I just downloaded the compatible version trial. It's been a while. I'm rusty but I remember it being fairly easy.

I can't download any filters. It says unable to connect to server although I'm obviously connected. Tried changing tools/options to obsolete library as suggested in another thread. Tried latest versions of both IE and Chrome.

I want to buy the basic version while the sale price is still offered (70% off is a no brainer) but this is frustrating and a major turn off for a program I already know I love. Is the server down? What else can I try? I did contact support but hopefully the forums are faster to fix this problem and they can answer my other questions later.

Is there a server status update somewhere that will let me know when it's down (or back up?!) so I don't waste anymore time fighting with something that isn't broken on my end.