Thank you Orlando.  Here's what I have done:

1.  Disconnected the xfi Gateway and reconnected the previous modem and router (we own)

2.  Spent most of the day today trying different suggestions found on the forums.  (Disable windows defender, install, re-boot - add Lacerte exe files to Inbound rules on windows defender, install, re-boot)

3.  Logged into Xfinity to disable advanced security and protected browsing.  Nothing there for me to disable.

4.  Logged in to my old computer and updated Lacerte 2019 through tools, Lacerte updates (this was the step in the new computer that created my problems)

5.  Re-booted the computer and it works!

6.  Tried the url referred to below (on both computers) and it does say 

connection to akamai....ok

Thank you for your suggestions! 

I guess I will have to wait until someone from support calls me but for now I can get my organizers out to clients.  I am very disappointed in Lacerte support response time - it's been a week and no call yet!