okay, here's the issue. About 2 months ago, I converted my Dell inspiron Notebook from windows XP to Ubuntu Edgy. There were ALL kinds of problems. I ended up fixing most of them, but the main issue is when i try to connect to the internet, a message appears in my browser window saying "At this time, Verizon DSL is only compatible with OSX and Windows".

Now, this is very strange, especially since i can usually get the internet to work about half the time. Usually whenever I use a Live CD, my internet works. And even when i'm using the installed Ubuntu, i figured that through a series of unplugging and plugging back in certain wires and resetting the modem, i can usually get online, but this method is not very reliable.
I have Verizon DSL and i have a wired connection. This is such a strange problem, and I know there's a way around it. I just don't understand what makes my ISP recognize or not recognize my OS.

Any tips, ideas, or insight would be great! Thanks! =)

Giuseppe

Try this link:
http://lists.netisland.net/archives/.../msg00035.html

The easiest solution however, would be to chuck out their DSL modem, and get yourself a proper dsl modem/router. I have used ones from Zoom (X4 & X5 - the latter also runs my office network) & Netgear. They are very easy to setup through their own web pages. The above models also run a firewall with sensible defaults, for you, to protect your network.

You'll have to call Verizon to tell them your new MAC address (that of the new modem/router - it will be on its web configuration page). The modem/router will negociate with your ISP and they do not need to know that you are running linux: They'll just see the modem, and your modem/router will sort ouit the linux end just fine.

I'm currently using Verizon DSL with a Westell 6100 and Ubuntu Dapper. No problems.

ditto with several flavors--Mepis, SUSE, PCLOS

Even if there are words saying they don't support Linux, I would call the tech support people and try to get them to explain why it would matter. With any normal router, I am not aware of anything on your side that shoul make a difference to the ISP.

The other reason for calling them it keep Linux on their radar. Remember, the big Linux surge is coming---any day now....

Since when can an ISP dictate which OS you run?

Surely there are ISPs in the US that are not big companies like Verizon? Just change to one of them. Get a proper ADSL Modem / Router, connected via Ethernet to your computer and you should have no problems, since the ADSL modem maintains the connection to the ISP, not your computer.

I can understand tech support not supporting Linux to the same degree as Windows, since there is too many combinations to be able to. The ISP I work for will always give out the details needed to any customer, regardless of OS. We just can't give step-by-step instructions to Linux users.

--Ian

Okay, So far what i can do is use the internet only with a Live CD, and only when i plug in my computer to the ethernet cable, and THEN turn on the computer. It's so strange. I dont understand what the difference is to the ISP. Does the Live CD set up some sort of a firewall and block them from seeing my OS?? I've since upgraded to Verizon FiOS, got a router, and i'm in the same place.

anyone's insight would be great!
Thanks
Giuseppe

the only thing i can think of is what tradegar said above about the modem/router having a firewall. The modem/router that i'm using was supplied by Verizon. If I set up a linux firewall with my old computer would that help??

When you boot with an ethernet connection to the ethernet, your distro will just ask for an IP and you are off.
If you have previously been using USB, don't with linux (unless you want a headache)
Your ISP doesn't care. It just sees the modem / router. That then routes the internet to your PC. This is called "IP Masquerading".
If you want a connection after you have booted without the modem / router being plugged in, plug in the ethernet and (as root),
give these comands in a terminal
ifdown eth0 (just in case something was (badly) setup already)
dhclient eth0 (Ask your modem / router for an IP address, and you'll be connected)

This should work with ububtu as well as a live CD.

omg that absolutely worked!! 'ifdown eth0' showed 'interface eth0 not configured' - just as you had thought! and then i ran 'dhclient eth0' and it showed a few IP addresses, and then all was good. Thanks a lot!!