[ubuntu-uk] Thinking about switching to linux

[alan c]

Benjamin Webb wrote:
> I am thinking about swithcing to ubuntu,

Welcome!

> but I use an AOL ADSL modem to access the internet. This will not
> work well with linux (apparently the eccisadsl drivers may be
> uncompatible).
> 
> Therefore, I a router to replace it with. I have found this: 
> http://www.amazon.co.uk/Linksys-5-Port-100-Switch-SD205/dp/B000225CXG/ref=sr_1_75/203-8642488-2050310?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1172871998&sr=1-75
> 
This does not seem as if it includes an ADSL modem, it looks like just
a switch only. I believe you are looking for an ADSL modem/router 
combination unit.
This unit will have at least one ethernet out socket (port) to
connect to your network card in the PC.

Some units may have (more) 4 ports, which can be very useful
in future when you also want to connect up a laptop temporarilty or
the spare PC you can now use easily with linux(!)

It is good to have the elements of hardware firewall that are included
in most such modem/routers eeeefor example:
Technical Details
ADSL 2/2+ Modem Router Single port
Stateful Packet Inspection firewall
Cost Effective Solution
MAC Address filtering
Quick Setup Wizard (for the modem part, for windows software)

You do not get similar 'firewall' protection when using a usb 
connection from the
modem. The solwise unit mentioed elsewhere in this thread
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Solwise-ADSL-SAR-600E-Single-ADSL2+-Router/dp/B000IB9R3C/ref=sr_1_8/203-8642488-2050310?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1172874514&sr=1-8
looks like a nice item, although I see it has only a single port.

It also does not specifically say that the setup menus may be
accessed via a browser (web, HTTP) interface

It says it comes with a quick setup wizard. This will be for windows, 
and if used, then the modem
will still work with linux anyway.

A web (HTTP) interface is very useful and can be used from any OS.
  (Remote Management Protocol =  HTTP )

The sort of functions that are good are described by this following
comment from someone using a unit they really liked (note1)
==================
modem/firewall/router/switch has every professional feature you could
ask for, while remaining easy to set-up thanks to easy access via a
web browser.
The router allows me to take full advantage of always-on fast
internet, shared between numerous PCs (including my work laptop
connected to the company's VPN) without the need for any particular PC
to be left switched on. .....
It also came with a microfilter and the necessary cables so no need to
buy those separately.
I especially like the fact that there's no driver software required on
the PCs to use this (unlike with USB modems).
==================
Note 1:
this happens to be from
Linksys ADSL2 Gateway with 4-Port Switch, quicklinx: 3NNZWS, mfr#:
AG241-UK
£39.51 inc vat
http://www.dabs.com/productview.aspx?Quicklinx=3NNZ&SearchType=1&SearchTerms=modem+router&PageMode=3&SearchKey=All&SearchMode=All&NavigationKey=50468#specifications
although note that I am not recommending this one in particular!

[...]

> 2) Will this work for what I want (just plugging the DSL into one 
> socket and then plugging into the PC (Dell™ Dimension™ 5150C) using
> an ethernet cable).

Such units will pretty well do what you suggest. However, you will
have to enter your ISP and password information into the modem part
first etc. Your PC will automatically ask the router for an IP address
when the pc is turned on (DHCP)(NAT).

More generalised information from such as:
http://www.homenethelp.com/web/explain/about-NAT.asp

good luck
-- 
alan cocks
Kubuntu user#10391