What is the best and cheapest ISP that can run on Linux Mandriva? Any help would be appreciated.

It's more about the hardware than the ISP. Not sure how easy it is to get dial-up modems to work under Linux, as I've never tried. If you have an Ethernet modem/router, that should be relatively easy to set up (easier than USB ones usually!).

Most ISPs don't support Linux from the helpdesk, just Windows. Doesn't mean it won't run, just means they won't be able to tell you how.
BTW, it would help if we knew where you lived ...

I think most of the time in Linux you end up dialing directly into the dns server, and bypass their nice gui anyway.

ISP = Internet service provider This does not run on a computer.

If you are referring to an ISP like AOL that provides a GUI front-end, I would stay away from this. In my experience you can do anything you need to without that extra complexity.

find an ISP that simply gets you connected cheaply and reliably. If you can afford it, get broadband. Life with Linux is much easier when you don't have to wait overnight for downloads.

For data on ISPs, try broadband reports: www.dslreports.com

forget Netzero, they say there is a way to get it working but I never did. I went to Toast(dot)net, supports win, mac, linux without frontend gui, just dial in and connect.
9.95 a month unlimited access. Check for local access numbers at their website.. wyldbill

The problem is that I can only get Netzero dial-up. Don't ask me why, but that is the case. I hear somepeople say that it is not possible to use netzero on a Linux machine. Is that true?

i'm been running www.highstream.net ($9/mo) on Vector but am getting rid of it due to a double-billing problem due to no fault of my own that was not resolved & the apathy of the billing department. Ran highstream for 3 years & was the best dial-up i ever had. Rare disconnects, fast connects & loading web pages fast. Fast manual setup with linux.

I am going to try this isp next. http://www.allvantage.com/ ($6/mo) It's sister company to Highstream - same tele #, DNS numbers, so i expect the same excellent performance as Highstream.

Anyone know if peoplepc will work?

No it won't. Try http://www.dialup4less.com/

What if I tried networking the connection through a windows box?

Moved: This thread is more suitable in the General babble, and has been moved accordingly to help your thread/question get the exposure it deserves.

Mailaka kicks butt for just 6.95 a month. I used to be with them and LOVED their service, and they have very nice tech support people, and for that price they include a very extensive usenet server. I would still be with them if I hadn't decided to make a move to Earthlink DSL (which is the best, except for the price).
Avoid services like NetZero and Juno like the plague. They get by with the harassing advertizements they spam your inbox with (and that's even for paying customers). And, once again, even paying customers have to use their clunky proprietary browser so they can make sure you see their popups. And by all means, stay away from AOL. Other than that most everything else popular out there on the dialup market is garbage, at least MSN lets you use the browser of your choice, but for 21 bucks a month it's a rip off for all they offer you. Basically the only reason services like AOL and MSN don't cease to exist is because more technological illiterate people are prone to their advertizing schemes and packages they give away (like virus protection, photo suites, etc).
It's a cold and cruel ISP market out there.