I've been to a couple of sites where you get a question like

Most people know the answer, but it's hard enough for computers to even find the question.

Anyway, I don't know what this type of "test" is called, but I don't think it's considered part of CAPTCHA, is it? If not, does anyone know the name of it?

My brother recently tried to get the really cheap low bandwidth DSL from Verizon in IL. The only thing you could do through the DSL modem initially was install the Verizon software that took you through setup.

My brother doesn't currently have a computer. He wanted the DSL so he could VPN to work with his work computer. The work computer is locked down and will only do VPN to the company over non company networks.

Using a borrowed computer, he went through the process. All the software did was ask some quesitons to verify who he was etc. (probalby for billing purposes) and allow him to build a Verizon email account etc. All things that could have been done via a web service and a browser, if set up that way.

This worked for about a week, and then magically reverted, requiring it to be done again. So, he called Verizon explaining that he didn't have a computer, and they basically said he wasn't going to be able to use the service.

So, did he just get bad information from a bad rep, or is Verizon one company basically forcing you to put software on your computer (at least initially) to set up the account?