Question about linux and dsl

[tontod]

I have a dsl connection and it connects via authentication - my computer has to "dial" out. I dont hear the traditional modem beeps, but it still has to connect. Now, if I install linux, will I still be able to connect with it, or do I need special drivers? XP has built in drivers, but not sure if linux does. Thanks for the help.

Edit: btw, my isp is SBC SNET (dsl provider in Connecticut)

 

[Heisenberg]

It should work. Which version of linux are you using? Redhat and Mandrake both have utlitities that make configuring PPPoE pretty easy. I'm sure it's possible in other distros but it might take more work. I assume this is an Ethernet modem and not USB.

 

[tontod]

I havent installed it yet, thinking of Redhat 7.2 . Yeah, I use PPPoE to connect. Its an ethernet modem.

 

[Heisenberg]

You should be fine then. When you install it there will be a utility in the control panel in KDE that makes it easy to configure it. There's probably one in Gnome too but I don't use it so I'm not sure. Either way, it shouldn't be any big deal.

Edit: I looked - the utility is there in both KDE and Gnome. It's called "Internet Configuration Wizard".

 

[tontod]

Thanks, I have the option of installing either KDE or GNOME during the redhat install process?

 

[Heisenberg]

<< Thanks, I have the option of installing either KDE or GNOME during the redhat install process? >>



Yeah, you can install either one or both.

 

[marat]

Wait till Redhat 7.3 comes out, or install any newer distro like Mandrake 8.2 or Suse 8.0. They have newer kernels, more drivers and easier to install. For more info check http://www.distrowatch.com/

 

[tontod]

On that page it says that redhat 7.3 is available as of 4/14/02, but I cant seem to find it @ ftp.redhat.com . Am I correct in that 7.3 is out, or is it not out yet? Thanks.

 

[Heisenberg]

It's still in beta. 7.2 should work just fine with most modems unless it's a really off-brand one. You're really just doing PPPoE so drivers really shouldn't be an issue. You can also always update/install components if need be. There's really no need to wait for 7.3.

 

[tontod]

Does the newer 2.4.18 kernel offer any significant advantages over 2.4.7?

 

[Heisenberg]

<< Does the newer 2.4.18 kernel offer any significant advantages over 2.4.7? >>



I'm sure it has the usual bug fixes and various improvements. The nice thing about Redhat is that it has the update agent which lets you easily update all the software packages (RPMS) including the kernel. You can install 7.2, run the update agent and have everything current.

 

[tontod]

How do I set up PPPoE in linux? I'm using netconfig, and when I select dhcp, the program just quits. Linuxconf dosent seem to work. Thanks.