[Gllug] Is_Talktalk_linux-friendly

[Alistair Mann]

Ryan Cartwright wrote:
> John Winters wrote:
>   
>> Don Williams wrote:
>> [snip]
>>     
>>> 	I happily run Debian Etch on an HP Pavilion desktop PC and currently 
>>> connect to the web through a Belkin router and a very efficient, yet a 
>>> bit pricey, Demon service.
>>> 	I welcome and appreciate in advance any and all advice on this subject 
>>> from GLLUGers.
>>>       
>> Any ADSL service should work with any operating system, with the proviso
>> that some providers merely give you a USB-connected box which *might*
>> work only with Windows.
>>     
>
> AOL is unlikely to work with Linux because it requires on the Windows
> software to connect you. That is unless something has changed since the
> last time I had to help somebody else using it (a while back).
>   
AOL works fine with Linux: For ease, I suggest one connects through an 
ethernet modem, which can be picked up brand new at misco for 15 quid. 
(Misco part 104879.) As the above is a generic modem device, I see no 
reason that using an ST330 or similar usb modem wouldn't also work, if 
you have more time than money. Further, AOL email is now available 
through imap.

Back to Talktalk: I fix computers for a living, and no company has 
caused my clients more problems than Talk Talk. Except Symantec. Mental 
question: if AA gets broadband for free from TT, how much money does TT 
have to pay engineers when something goes wrong? Your correct answer 
will reveal the truth behind "There's no such thing as a free lunch".

Computer Shopper this month have a review of various ISPs. It covers 
sheer speed, rather than a more rounded approach that would reveal Talk 
Talk (and Orange/Freeserve/Wanadoo/whatever they are this week) for 
where they are in relation to others. Pipex have been the most tenacious 
at resolving problems of any of the providers I've seen, for what's that 
worth; Waitrose have the best reputation having got top marks from Which 
magazine for post-sales support. Sky are on my bad guys list for 
post-sales, having refused to believe a couple of their routers had 
broken wireless at the same time as a working adsl line.

Cheers!
-- 
Alistair Mann
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