Linux-friendly ISPs?

[Andrey Andreev]

Hi,

I would advise against using your own SMTP server on home broadband, 
unless you really have a good reason.

I was running mine for a few months, after my ISP's server died a few 
times because of viruses. It went out OK, but a lot of messages bounced, 
as the recipient SMTP server rejected them, as they were coming from a 
residential IP block (and with all the spam and viruses, chances are, if 
you're not on a residential block list, you'll get there soon). Now if 
you have not configured your SMTP server properly (e.g. you just started 
sendmail with the default config), you could miss those bounces, and 
never learn that there was any problem.

Otherwise, I've seen some ISPs that are deliberately messing with linux 
boxes, but that is quite rare, and possible to handle. If you manage to 
avoid those, Fedora can handle pretty much any broadband connection with 
tools out of the box.

Anyway, good luck!

//Andro

Bob Chiodini wrote:
> On Thu, 2004-08-26 at 13:41, Adam Boettiger wrote:
> 
>>Do any of the major ISPs offer dialup or broadband access that is 
>>compatible with Linux?
>>
>>I searched and all I came up with were hosting account providers, not 
>>connectivity.
>>
>>TIA
>>
>>AB
> 
> 
> Adam,
> 
> I've tried to follow this thread and noticed that no one mentioned
> services, like SMTP or HTTP.  Are you looking to put up a SMTP server or
> web server on your broadband link.  You may want to query your list of
> local providers as to what limitations they place on subscribers.
> 
> I am a Bellsouth customer and for almost a year had a SMTP server up on
> my DSL link, but no more.  They began blocking port 25 traffic TO their
> subscribers in an effort to stop SPAM.  I personally do not see how
> blocking port 25 traffic to my IP address stops SPAM.  If you point the
> gun at your foot and pull the trigger, it's not the gun maker's fault.
> 
> They also require you to authenticate when sending email through their
> servers.  They also block port 25 outbound traffic from their
> subscribers.  I DO understand this as a SPAM preventive measure, and
> don't have a problem using them as a relay.  
> 
> I have a static IP address (for what good it does me) and get 3Mb/s D/L
> and 512Kb/s U/L speeds consistently at about $50/month.  The static IP
> was marketing hype, and was part of the "extreme" package.  Dynamic DNS
> is a good substitute for a static IP address. 
> 
> I have a D-Link router behind the DSL modem serving 2 wired and one
> (sometimes two) wireless PCs.  One of the wired and one of the wireless
> machines run Linux.  I would recommend front-ending your network with a
> router regardless of your provider.  It will get you past the PPPOE
> issues if there are any, and provides a reasonable firewall.  I like the
> D-Link DI-624 firewalling capabilities over that of the Linksys
> (WRTGsomething).  The Linksys had much better SNR on the wireless side,
> however.
> 
> One last thing, if you are considering going with your local telco, ask
> if they will unbundle their DSL and dialtone services, just in case you
> want to go with VOIP in the future.  Bellsouth currently will not in
> Florida.
> 
> Bob...
> 
> 
>