yes, as root.
[76714.350595] 8139too 0000:02:05.0: eth0: link down
[76722.585761] 8139too 0000:02:05.0: eth0: link up, 100Mbps, full-duplex, lpa 0x45E1
[82504.691835] 8139too 0000:02:05.0: eth0: link up, 100Mbps, full-duplex, lpa 0x45E1
at one point, I removed the cable tonight because VISP had a 3 hour internet outage.
As for trying another computer, I can borrow my sister's laptop next week. I'm not leaving home this week (bad cold).