AT&T has a $15 dsl service in my area, but they say it doesn't support Linux. The only compatible service I've been able to find is either dialup or the most expensive residential broadband place in town. Are there any other possibilities, or do I have to live with either slow or expensive? The wireless company said they can't reach where I live.

There's nothing in the transmission of DSL that is operating system-specific. As long as your computer will connect to their modem (and these days AT&T generally does PPPoE on the modem so there's even less you need to worry about) you will be fine.

Find out the specifics of what you need on either a Windows or Mac and I'm sure 100% of them will be possible, and easy, on Linux, regardless of distro.

Especially with a router, there are no issues whatsoever. My most recent service included a combo DSL modem + Router with wireless.

The people that tell you Linux is not supported often have no clue as to the technical details. Just ask them WHY Linux won't work......

Agreed with all above, but look carefully to your words..."...does not support Linux" From that i can't infer that Linux won't work, only that they won't help you get it going, not that you'll need any.

I had Bellsouth (now AT&T) dsl before I had Comcast. It will work fine. Their install cd probably won't work on linux. You may need a windows rig to get it set up. I doubt that there telephone helpline people could walk you through it on a linux rig.

Wow, a veritable onslaught of responses
Here's the system requirenents page:
http://www.att.com/gen/general?pid=7304
It doesn't mention Linux at all.

That's probably what happened. The girl at the help desk didn't know, and whoever she asked told her it wasn't supported.

So how do you set up a dsl? I'm not a sysadmin.
What do I need to do?

AT&T's actual ISP is called Embarq now. (I used to have it)

You will get a modem. And a telephone cable. You will hook it up like what the instructions say in the booklet.

Shut everything down, start up your modem, then your computer, and you will be online (as long as dhcp is set up).

Plug the DSL modem into your Ethernet port, or router as the case may be. THe PPPoE routines should be done in the modem, so it should hook right up, fetch an IP address and away you go. To make a better chance of it all, turn your computer and router (if present) completely off. Then hook up the modem to the relevant port, then to the phone line. Then plug it's power cord in. Wait for the status lights indicate a good connection. (You should get some paperwork with then modem which explains the lights) THen power up router, let it stabilize, then boot computer.

This is mildly off-topic, but.....

In dealing with entities like ISPs, I have found that you have to know some basic stuff about networking. More than once, I have been able to get past the initial "fog" by explaining to the agent that my particular issue does not relate to which OS--or which application-- I am using. It's a sad commentary, but knowing more than the average help-line drone is not that difficult.

Thanks for all the help. I'll ask more questions later if I have trouble.