On Wednesday 04 November 2009 22:14:02 Clint Moyer wrote:
Why is it relevant which OSes they do or do not support? It's all the same internet. The only reason any ISP gives you a CD is to install some half-assed "wizard" app or free crapware.
I've used Charter for years and its always worked with Linux and Windows. The one time I had a problem, the tech on the phone found that he couldn't ping my router. The OS on the other side is a non-factor.
while true, the reality is that when you call ISP tech support, the majority of them have a check list and/or script to go through. many of those items include asking about the OS and making sure it's configured properly. just because you're tech savvy doesnt mean the guy you're talking to is, or that the ton of people who call to bitch about the internet being down are either. the ISPs are interested in making money, not really supporting customers. so just because a few customers use "linux" and are having problems, it's no sweat off their backs to not support it. also, your experience doesnt directly correlate to all setups and ISPs. some people have a crappy little linksys/netgear/whatever router connected to the modem, or the modem itself takes care of the entire connection stack and doesnt require host side software (which is often the case with cable users), or the modem is simply there to wiggle lines and requires quite a bit of software install/setup on the machine connected to it. while the OS doesnt matter in the first examples, dsl frequently falls into the latter category in which case the connected OS absolutely matters. if you know what's going on, just lie and say it's windows or an off-the-shelf linksys router. when they ask for random info, do the translation in your head: you want me to do start menu -> run -> ipconfig ? oh, so you want my IP address, np. -mike