First off, no need for anyone to get their undies in a bunch here. If anything, the crappy sound would be the cause of my indigestion (that or your friend)
and not the answers given. Anyone here right now reading this is looking at one if not the most helpful sites with unlimited and friendly support by it's users out there. I will admit, reading through this post and seeing descriptions of Mac, VST, faulty installation and so on have had me a bit perplexed as well. This is not a case of faulty installation and it doesn't matter if it's an i7, i5, i3 or a 1956 Edsel. If we're dealing with a PC then it is quite simple really. If your friend is reluctant to register here, give precise details concerning his setup, the issues, and ask for help, then all you can really do is pass along the advice given here by mnailor and the others, no need for me to repeat any of it. Follow it, problem solved, and as you say "get on with it."
Amen.
Marc