Getting Broadband Internet for your Linux Computer

Author: K. Davies. Date: 21/02/07

Background Information

Most Internet Service Providers (ISP's) will not provide support to Linux users. The Linux operating system works with all ISP's, both for dial up and broadband connections.

Broadband is high speed internet. It is much faster than dial up. There are two types of broadband internet, cable and ADSL. Both services use a modem device. Cable makes use of high speed cable lines while ADSL uses a standard phone line. Cable is not available in all areas.

Nearly all ISP's will send out a 'starter kit.' This starter kit will include a disk that only runs under Windows. Linux users do not need to use this disk. There may be information on the disk that might help in setting up the connection. You can access this information (usually PDF files) using the file manager. Refer to your user guide for information on how to do that.

Ordering Broadband for a Linux computer

All you need to do is make sure that you purchase an ethernet style modem when ordering broadband internet (Cable or ADSL). Ethernet modems plug into the network card of the computer. Do not get a USB modem as they do not work with Linux computers. Most ISPs can provide you with an ethernet modem for broadband internet. In some cases it is included in the set up cost.

Setting the Service Up

It takes around 3-10 days for connections to become active. Before you start the configuration process confirm your account is fully active.

When you confirm the account is active you should attach the modem to the computer. There will often be a manual that shows and describes how to do this.

The set up steps will be different depending on whether you have ADSL or Cable. See below for information.

Connecting the Modem to the Computer

ADSL Modems: ADSL modems connect to the phone line and the network card of the computer. They also plug into a power socket. You might have to install a special line filtering device on your phone line. Most ISP's will include one in your set up kit.

Cable Modems: The internet company supplying the connection will put in a special socket and cable, this is similar to cable TV. Cable modems are connected by attaching the network cable from the modem to the network card on the computer. They also plug into a power socket.

Enable the Network Card on the Computer

Once you have connected your ADSL or Cable modem you will need to enable your network card. Do this by clicking on K Menu->System->Start/Stop Network Card->Start Network.

Enter your root password when prompted. Your root password is on the disclaimer form we gave you when you purchased the computer from us.

You should see a light appear on the network card at the back of the computer. A message will also pop up to advise that you are connected to the network.

Further Configuration

Cable Modems: If you have a Cable modem the connection to the internet will be active and ready to use. No further configuration needed. Try the Firefox web browser (K Menu->Internet->Firefox Web Browser) to see if Google loads.

ADSL Modems: If you have an ADSL modem your connection may work or you might need to do further configuration.

If further configuration is needed refer to the ADSL modem guide to find the web browser configuration address for the modem. This is usually 192.168.0.1 or can be another number. Use the Firefox web browser (K Menu->Internet->Firefox Web Browser) to access the address.

Run through the wizard and enter the appropriate information for your account. All modems are different we can not provide a simple step by step solution for this step.

Linux Friendly ISP's

Unfortunately not many ISP's support Linux users. The only ones we know doing this are:

• Internode. Claim they will support Linux broadband users. www.internode.net
• Alphalink. Can provide written instructions for dial up users. www.alphalink.com.au