Too many problems that are related for more than one thread so here it goes.

1- I had wvdial working in GUI/x org and when I try it in Console Mode Lynx returns message "Can Not Connect to Remote Host". Yum returns "ran out of mirrors to try" immediately. What are the most common commands to run and logs to look at to troubleshoot this?

2-How do I scroll back after running a command that returns a long message that is longer than a page in Console Mode? Do I pipe it to a file?

3- If I'm executing more than one command in BASH in Console Mode ,I just press ctrl> z to suspend it , then bg to restart it in the background and then run the next command? Is this correct?

Thanks in advance!

1. ifconfig, ping, cat /etc/resolv.conf, route each with their man page

2. In a tty console, shift & pg_up. In an xterm console, scroll wheel or whatever. Alternatively just add |less to your command which pipes it to a viewer, and you can page up and down.

3. Never done it that way, but does it work?
I would use

this & that

to start them both simultaneously. Back in the dialup days, I would log in as root, and run
wvdial & exit

You would hear the modem but the terminal exited, leaving my miniature hackers wondering. They're not miniature any more, btw.

this && that runs them in sucession as does this; that

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@OP. Did you ever get your internet connection going? I have been using Linux with dial up for 9 years now so I'm kinda familiar with it. Be aware different ISPs are gonna react differently, though. But you did say you had it working before with wvdial.
I gave up on wvdial very early on and deleted it. I just use the ppp and chat programs with some config files in the right places. As I recall it took quite a bit to get it going back then but ever since when I want to upgrade my OS I just copy the related config files that I keep backed up on other HD drives and I'm up and going with internet pretty quick. So if you want copies of my /etc/ppp/ files that pertain to this let me know and maybe I can help.

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I was working with a CentOS installation that basically went to hell in a hand basket. X Stopped working so I wanted to see if more updates would get me out of the mess ;which I believe it would , but networking also was effected.
X -configure gives a solid list of errors after lines of errors, EE can't locate Modules ,drivers , Symbol Mismatches etcetera.I actually think wvdial was working but the problem was upstream of it. The general networking tools are not meant to help with the condition that this install is left with. According to my external modem everything was fine but Lynx (could not connect to remote host) and yum (pycurl error 6 out of mirrors to try). I don't know that much about netstat but it listed some vitals.I might go back in and get a netstat file out.

I'm studying networking anyways and have a strong interest in old school computing knowledge. I would like to learn how to write a chat script and otherwise gain as much ppp knowledge as possible. It's tough to get indepth info on ppp and I would like to have it to pass it on.


If you could turn me on to some effective search phrases or links on how to write chat scripts and other general ppp/pppd information I would appreciate it.

Thanks!



These are ifconfig and netstat command returns for this O.S


Ifconfig modem on ifconfig modem off netstat modem on Thanks for viewing this thread!

If an Irishman may tell an Irish joke. . .
To quote the Irishman, when asked for directions to another town: "You know, if I was you, I wouldn't start from here at all."

Sort out Centos - rebuild the db and/or reinstall. I would jump to the reinstall as I hate rpm. Then you might be ready for the pppd howto. You can skip to about section 10 - he will past biographies of everyone ever connected with networking. As an absolute last resort, he turned to the subject :-/.

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I just installed Scientific over it so I guess I'll have to see if I have the same problem with Scientific. I'll definitely keep a corrupted Rpm Data Base issue in mind. Thanks for that suggestion. It was corrupted because it would state both that I had a Package installed and also that I did not.

Any tips or info on Chat Script witting?

Plenty of scripts around. By section 15 he's actually on to that stuff. Chat scripts are like Morse code - useful in the past tense. Their chief function was to automate slow serial login stuff. You can usually do without, by providing meaningful options to pppd, for instance.

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I thought you stated ('A" pppd How To) and not ('The ppd How To). Thanks for your expertise!