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Silverbullet
09-29-2001, 03:08 PM
Hello!! I'm using (or should say trying) to use/learn Linux (Mandrake 8.0). I am an intermediate end-user (WinMe) in terms of experience, but don't know alot about the real inner details, although I can certainly learn anything. I use AOL ( it's temp. until I get cable modem service) and was wondering is it possible to connect using Linux? If not, what service options to I have to surf with Linux? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. ERH
P.S. If there is a file or document that covers this or other internet connection issues, please feel free to just let me know where to find it. I'll be more than happy to do my homework first, then ask...I just didn't find anything.
I'm not the person who will have the answers to your questions, but maybe you could narrow it down a bit for the others. Are you specifically looking to connect to AOL? If not them, a free dial-up service? A pay dial-up service?
Apparently aol has a linux client but not for public use - just for net appliances. What you could try is searching the lno bbs for aol and linux and even the internet.
If aol uses something like a regular dial-up connection, you may be able to set it up using linux. Provided your modem works, you could use software like kppp, or wvdial to get you going. There are some nhfs here at lno that deal with dial up networking.
Here are some webpages that will help:
www.linuxdoc.org (http://www.linuxdoc.org) (plenty of documentation) www.freshmeat.net (http://www.freshmeat.net) (software repository)
Bulletin boards like this are helpful - use the search feature before you post (it's very likely someone else has had your problem before - you also don't have to wait for a possible solution). Good luck.
kapwfm
09-29-2001, 03:56 PM
I'm not exactly sure if Linux can handle AOL or not...and to my understanding you have to have their software in order to even be able to access the dial-up number. Sure, you can dial the number up with your modem, but I think it requires their software to even log on to the service. I'm not completely sure on this though. :)
As far as a cable service is concerned...gosh, you're gonna have an easy time setting that up! :) It's nice. Good luck to you. :) I hope you can at least surf the net with your modem soon.
Craig McPherson
09-29-2001, 04:07 PM
No, you won't be able to use AOL, ever. You'd be best off switching to any normal PPP-based ISP: they're all cheaper than AOL, and if you live in a populous area you might be able to find one that offers x months of free service if you switch from AOL. Check your local yellow pages.
Your only other option would be to use a second Windows PC to connect to AOL and have it act as a router for the Linux box, but that would be lame.
Silverbullet
09-30-2001, 08:29 AM
Just wanted to say "thank you" to everyone for their help. I can't believe how quickly one can get answers here. The next time I post a message I'll have to check back within the hour as opposed to within in day. Thank you all again. I'm looking forward to trying to learn more here. Take care. ERH
Silverbullet
09-30-2001, 08:34 AM
I forgot to mention that I was specifically looking to connect to AOL and that the ONLY reason I'm using AOL right now is because there isn't any cable or DSL by me at the moment and I get AOL for free since I have "points" on my AOL Visa. Otherwise...
If anyone knows of a "free" ISP that I can connect using Linux please let me know. Thanks again to all. ERH