For those running OS X, which ISP do you have? (1 Viewer)

[Peter Kim]

I've had my flat-panel iMac w/OS X for about 3 days. Rude awakening...my current ISP (Qwest) will pull the plug on OS X users beginning June 3rd.

What do you use for your ISP? I know that AOL and Earthlink support OS X - I'm not interested in AOL and I'm looking for a cheaper alternative to Earthlink.

Actually, why is there a compatibility problem at all with OS X? Can't I just pay an ISP, get a dial-up number and configure my Internet Connect using the new username and number?

 

[Joseph S]

Actually, why is there a compatibility problem at all with OS X? Can't I just pay an ISP, get a dial-up number and configure my Internet Connect using the new username and number?

There's no way they can tell and there's no compatibility problem whatsoever. The fact that they can't support Mac OS X means they likely can't support their own network and aren't worth the associated downtime.

Whatever you choose will merely require you to

1)go the the network pref pane in system prefs
2)choose the "Show" menu item "Internal Modem"
3)click on PPP tab and enter
a)Service Provider Name (optional)
b)Telephone Number
c)Alternate Number (optional)
d)Account Name (user id)
e)Password

You can configure TCP/IP manually by clicking the tab to the left of PPP if you wish. Alternatively, you can just let their server provide the IP, DNS, Subnet, Router info on connect.

I've used earthlink, my school's network, and TW roadrunner service without problems. I have even used both the school's modem service and my roadrunner's cable internet service simultaneously on several occasions. OS X will do all the dirty work and switch to the modem access if it needs to for restricted sites. (no need to disconnect or reconnect)

You should have zero problems with any ISP.

 

[Michael*K]

I'm on OS X and I use AT&T Broadband, but have also used AOL and Earthlink with no problems. Joseph gave a good set of detailed instructions that should work with just about any ISP. I'm not familiar with Qwest. Do they use some sort of proprietary browser for access?

 

[Peter Kim]

No, Michael...Qwest is a midwest/west/northwest regional telecom soon to be exiting the residential isp business. Previously, they let you use any browser (e.g., IE 5) for access.
On June 3rd, Qwest will cease to offer access for residential customers. They have been voluntarily migrating existing customers to MSN for the same price plans customers enjoy with Qwest (~$14.95/month). Simply, Qwest is sending its business to MSN.
When I looked at the migration FAQ listed by MSN/Qwest, it states that the migration is available for Macintosh customers. However, listed under requirements and specs is the following:
Operating system: Mac OS 8.6 and higher but not Mac OS X
http://www.qwest.com/pcat/for_home/p..._1_9-4,00.html
My question - can't I sign up for MSN, get a username and dialup number and login? I don't need any souped up browser, just IE 5. What is it about OS X that disallows connection with MSN?

 

[Michael*K]

Beats me. Maybe they just haven't tested it under OS X. Or maybe they ship a CD installer that doesn't run natively in OS X. Is there a trial period so you can at least test it free of charge?

 

[Pamela]

I have been using Earthlink for 8 years. First dial-up, and more recently in conjunction with Charter Pipeline. I'm a happy camper and have had no issues with OS X.

 

[MikeM]

The only way I can think that you would be totally screwed would be if you had a DSL service where the ISP required that you use some special "dial-in" software that was only available for the Windows crowd. But even so, you should be able to configure your TCP/IP settings in OSX under the System Freferences > Network > PPPoE that should allow you to configure anything you need to connect.

I really doubt you'll have any problems.

My ISP is PacBell, and they officially list OSX as "unsupported". They simply say that so that they don't have to provide software and technical support.

They also say that you MUST download *their* version of Internet Explorer as it is the only one that is "supported". What's differnet about it? It provides a pacbell homepage that's in a deal with Prodigy forcing you to view their home page. Ha!

Anytime they say it's "unsupported", it usually just means it's currently not cost effective for them to provide any support, but things will work just fine if you set them up yourself.

 

[Peter Kim]

Ok...Mike M., I think between Michael, Joseph, and you, I finally get the picture. My initial gut feeling was along the same lines, but everyone else's opinion cemented my feelings.

I rarely if ever call tech support currently. Also, I don't need no fancy, proprietary browser to view the internet. If it's just a matter of configuring my own system with their number, new username, and password, then I'll give it a shot.

I've used Earthlink and liked it quite a lot, but the $14.95 that Qwest and eventually, MSN charges is too big of a difference from Earthlink's $21.95 for poor me to not give this a try.

Just curious anyone...I find that I have an infinite (infinite = too vast, too much) amount of content at my fingertips on the WWW without feeling a loss for exclusive content provided by an ISP (a la AOL). In other words, I find what I need using Google for the web.

Do people really have the time or that much of an interest for AOL's or even Earthlink's or MSN's exclusive content? I'm inundated as it is now without special interviews with Britney Spears.