L.I.F.E. rates three of the planet's top ISP
s for Linux compatibility
First let me start by saying that you can establish a
dial-up internet connection in Linux with most any ISP that supports
the standard Point to Point Protocol (PPP) over Transmission Control
Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) connection.
Also with a local ISP sign-up is usually as simple as
calling them up and having them assign you a username, password and
giving them
a billing address. However, if you want to use one of the "Big Boys" in
internet service it's a completely different story. With most big name
ISPs you have to have their installation software in order to sign up.
Below is a list of the 3 ISPs that we rated, listed in the
order by which we rated them. Please note that we tried to access each
ofthese sites from a computer running Linux.
- AT&T WorldNet - We were very pleased with this ISP. Not only
do they have Linux tech support on thier site ( www.wurd.com wurd =
WorldNet Users Reference Desk ) but they offer an online sign-up for
Linux users
that completes with a tour of all of the Linux tech support pages. We
now
understand how AT&T WorldNet has climbed as high as it has in
member
count. If you want to sign up with these guys it's as easy as going to
http://registration.worldnet.att.net/cgi-bin/inregister and providing
some billing information.
- America On Line - Unfortunately we didn't find much good to say
about AOL. As far as we can tell you can't even use AOL on a machine
that isn't Windows or Mac. Although we did find some rumors about a
(possibly) upcoming Linux AOL client, there was certainly no support
listed for Linux on thier website.
- MicroSoft Network - Why did we even bother? Not only were we not
able to find any Linux support and compatibility with this service, we
were
not even able to view the "Internet Access Deals" portion of the
website unless
we ran Opera and had it indentify itself as IE 5.x . When we did reach
this
website and tried to find a technical support phone number, we were
unable
to even find that.
Our ratings (from 1 to 10 ):
AT&T WorldNet - 9.5 We would've given AT&T a
perfect 10 except they don't have a telephone number that Linux users
can call for support. However they get a 9.5 because you can call thier
existing tech
support number for access numbers, DNS numbers etc. Plus AT&T
WorldNet
provides users with a standard internet connection without the need for
proprietary dialing software.
America On Line - 1 Although AOL showed zero connectivity
for Linux, we will give them a point for at least working on a Linux
client and for hiring a Linux programmer to write a Linux version of
their instant messaging software.
MicroSoft Network - 0 Again, Why did we even bother.
We will be rating other international and smaller ISPs in
the future. Come back often to see how yours rates :-) .