Site News :: Linux and ISPs
I use Verizon DSL and it just plain works, the magic (?) of DHCP. Whether I've plugged the modem directly into a PC's NIC, or (the usual) modem to router to all PC's (router has built in switch), it just works. I have plugged the modem into a switch (no router) and all PC's into the switch, and all PC's get their own IP automatically, no fuss, no muss. They did supply me with a username and password, but so far I've only had to use it to access my verizon web-mail and account info. It's worked on every windows and Linux distro I've thrown at it.
As far as support goes, it's like ke4nt1 mentioned. They won't acknowledge the existence of anything but Windows, and get huffy if it's not XP. They want the modem plugged straight to the PC, and they're even picky about the PC being plugged straight into the wall, not a power bar. Fortunately, the only two times my dsl has really gone down it was totally their fault, off site even. Haven't yet had a tech come to the house to repair, it's always in the box up the street 
Here in Canada, I've dealt with dial-up, cable and now wireless ISP's.
I've never had a problem connecting with Linux but it's all a self help deal, I have yet to talk to an ISP besides my wireless ISP that would acknowledge the existence of any system except Windows.
My wireless provider was at least willing to help any way they could, but have no real experience with using Linux and wireless.
I use a Power over Ethernet panel, no drivers needed, just a standard ethernet card, works great.
roadie
I started using DSL with an apartmnet provided Cable Connection through their DHCP enabled router, and I had better luck with DSL than Windows. When the connection was down, which was often, I used SBC Yahoo Dial-Up, which was painless. Now I use SBC Yahoo ADSL, and after setting up the home portal I booted into DSL and DHCP picked up the connection and I have no troubles. I can even admin the Home Portal through FireFox in DSL. Painless.
My bog standard laptop arrangement which has worked without any tweaking or messing around in the UK:- Squaremail ISP dialup using external 'serial' modem thru' the serial port on my laptop. (This seems to work a bit faster than than my cheap internal modem that came with my PC. box under Win98)
I'm in New York, and use Optimum Online. It works just fine. My only problem was the fact that I first tried connecting with a network hub instead of a router because I didn't know there was a difference. I figured it would work because it had a bunch of places to plug in. Silly me.
Next Page...
original here.