linuxgeek: [LINUX_Newbies] Re: New to group with QUESTION

--- In LINUX_Newbies@yahoogroups.com, "Fred Lieberman" <quartz@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Paul,
>
> I will check out the website you gave me. As I mentioned to Gerald, some of the information that is 5 years old on how to set up a dial-up is no longer valid.

Check these out while you're at it:

http://tldp.org/HOWTO/Serial-HOWTO.html

http://tldp.org/HOWTO/Modem-HOWTO.html

This one is generic try to get the command set specific to your modem:

http://michaelgellis.tripod.com/modem.html

Step 1 make sure your serial port is initialized

Step 2 establish communications with your modem

Step 3 negotiate a connection with your ISP

You can actually do step 3 in Windows just so you know you have it down pat. If you can't manually establish a connection to your ISP in Windows there is little chance you'll be able to do it in Linux either. And they have to help you do it too, remember they do support Windows! I think putty is the big name for terminal emulators in Windows but Windows isn't really my gig. Information gleaned in this process will be useful setting up Linux. And you'll have your ISP over a barrel to give it to you too. Yes I'm am devious this way.

A word to the wise: while theoretically possible it is more problematic to configure an internal vs external modem. Read get and use an external modem. I don't want to hear any flak on this one. It is just better. There is no argument, end of discussion. USR X2 Sportster is what you want. Beg borrow or steal one if you have to. No, you cannot have mine.

Looks like this:
http://di1.shopping.com/images1/pi/d1/6a/55/20173879-177x150-0-0.jpg

A heads up once you've connected to your ISP you're not quite done yet you know this right?

You still have to setup your default route gateway hostmask and DNS or you're not going to be online the way most people think of it. I'm just saying. Lots of ISPs have the annoying habit of dropping clients quickly if they do not detect activity (sub 2 minutes is not unheard of) too so even after you've "gotten online" things can still be a little dicey until you're completely setup.

I will close with saying this stick with it Linux online is better than Windows. Better all around. better speed, better security, better flexibility, better control. There is no where where Windows is better than Linux when it comes to networking. So you are working towards a better thing.