[Shenlug] No, we don't do Linux. --Signed, Every available satellite service

[Miles D. Oliver]

   The whole concept of "Not Supporting Linux" is bogus. TCP/IP was around 
long before Windoze  even hit the scene and to claim to not support 
Unix or its variants shows that they are only staffing their call centers 
with "Net Monkeys" (I picture in my mind some call centers like the scene 
from the Wizard of OZ with the flying monkeys buzzing around..)  who don't 
understand networking concepts. They give them a 'cheat sheet' and the
ability to pass up the problem to someone higher. Which means you have to
jump several tiers to be able to get to the 'inner sanctum' to someone who
knows what the heck is REALLY going on.

   The only way that I see that Windoze MAY be required with ANY type of an 
Internet connection would be for some kind of proprietary authentication 
interface and most, if not all times a Linux alternative to provides the 
same authentication method exists.  There was at a time a very strange 
type of Satellite connection that downloaded over the sat link and 
uploaded over a phone line but that is dinosaur tech now.

   I've used several ISP vendors for home and customer use for the last 
10 years and have never had an issue that I could not solve and required
Windows for TCP/IP connectivity.

   DHCP is DHCP for handling dynamic addresses an if they require special 
software then they are breaking the spec.

   I assume that you have more than one system in the house? Even if you 
don't you can spend a few dollars for a small linksys soho router and 
make that your connection to the Satellite link and be done with it. They 
should support a router connection even if they don't claim to support 
Linux.

   Its not a matter of if they support Linux, it is a matter of if they 
support TCP/IP. You are not connecting to some stupid Micro$oft NetBEUI 
network.  I wouldn't even bring Linux into the equation when discussing 
service options with the vendors. It would only be relevant if they are 
supporting the desktop and they aren't.

  Even the most bumbling ISP in the Valley, Wave2net.com supports Linux.

  They just don't know about it.... ;-)

On Tue, 28 Nov 2006, Ricky Nelson wrote:

> I am not sure how the satellite companies provide the bandwidth to you
> but I have had experience with both DSL and cable Internet and both of
> them work the same way.  The service is provided though a modem which
> you can either hook up directly to your computer or to a router.  I have
> only ever hooked up to a router.  Once the connection gets to your
> router you can use whatever OS you want to.  It's all just a matter of
> obtaining an IP, DNS, and gateway addresses from your router and you're
> on your way whether they claim to support it or not.  So maybe instead
> of asking if they support Linux, maybe you should ask if they support
> routers.  If so then your all set.
>
> -Ricky
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: shenlug-bounces at calypso.tux.org
> [mailto:shenlug-bounces at calypso.tux.org] On Behalf Of Harvey Ussery
> Sent: Tuesday, November 28, 2006 5:41 PM
> To: shenlug at calypso.tux.org
> Subject: [Shenlug] No, we don't do Linux. --Signed,Every available
> satellite service
>
> Hi All,
>
> Man, I'm sick of dialup! We've checked, and there is just no alternative
>
> out here in the sticks for broadband other than satellite. (VA Broadband
>
> will offer service based on a repeater-station type system in 8-10
> months.) So I decided to give satellite a try. Called WildBlue and
> Hughes, and got the same answer from both with regard to system
> compatability: "Huh?" As usual, the points on their websites where
> system requirements are addressed say: Windows, this -- Mac, that (alla
> you other jerks, buzz off, we don't need your money). But I figured
> *somebody* in the home office would have heard of Linux and how to
> config their system with Linux tools. Wrong! At both places, the initial
>
> person I talked to didn't even know what I was talking about. "Linux, I
> thought that was what's in a router." "You mean you don't use Windows or
>
> Mac? How do you run your computer?" When I was persistent and got to a
> supervisor, it was the same response: SOL.
>
> My impression from the list is that some members have indeed used
> satellite service. How did you deal with this issue of config'ng the
> system with Linux tools? How did you get past the "Mister, you can't get
>
> there from here" factor?
>
> Thanks.
>
> ~Harvey
>
> PS:  At one office they did say if I was dual boot w Windows they could
> do business with me. I'm not dual boot. No intention of being so.
> _______________________________________________
> Shenlug mailing list
> Shenlug at calypso.tux.org
> http://calypso.tux.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/shenlug
>
> _______________________________________________
> Shenlug mailing list
> Shenlug at calypso.tux.org
> http://calypso.tux.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/shenlug
>
>

-- 
  Miles D. Oliver
  www.mmoliver.org
_________________
"If a man speaks in the woods where there is no woman to hear him, is he
still wrong? Probably."

"If a woman speaks in the forest with no man near to hear her, is she
still complaining? Of course."