Netscape ISP - PPP?

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Tom Owad's picture
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Netscape ISP - PPP?

I'm looking for a cheap dial-up account for when I'm on the road, and for the rare occasions the DSL isn't working. I'm currently considering Basic ISP, which offers 200 hours/month for $6.95, and Netscape, which offers unlimited access for the same price.

Netscape claims it requires Windows. I tried on two occasions to ask an Netscape tech rep whether it merely uses PPP, and got these responses:

"It doesn't use a protocol"

"If you cannot connect via PPP, we recommend that you use a regular land line to connect."

Does anybody know if Netscape is doing anything that might inhibit my using the account on a Mac?

Tom Owad's picture
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Thanks to MaxTek for recommen

Thanks to MaxTek for recommending OWC's FasterMac. Looks like the way to go.

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tried war driving?

When I've been on the road, I "war drive" to find an available wireless connection. In major cities, these are easy to find. Usually it's a "linksys" system -- I think these default to being "open" out of the box and I think people just plug them in and don't bother with that security thing because it's just not important. Or, some people and some companies (notably computer stores and coffee shops) allow free wireless internet just because it's a kind thing to do. I hope I don't attract the flames of those overly paranoid security and property rights hounds who disagree and will say stuff like "it's MY wireless system and you have no right to steal what I am paying for." But don't mind me, I may be deluded into thinking that internet should be free (as in beer) as well as free (as in libre.)

I've given up on services like the ones you've mentioned because of the inane problems that you've mentioned. I won't install some ISP's ad-filled, spyware, buggy, OS-specific internet connection software just to get internet access.

Also, every library that I've visited in the United States has free internet access! Kudos to you Americans.

Tom Owad's picture
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FasterMac

Actually, their coverage is somewhat weak, it turns out.

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Re: tried war driving?

When I've been on the road, I "war drive" to find an available wireless connection. In major cities, these are easy to find.

It's even easier than wardriving...just stop by a Starbucks or Panera; all of the ones in my area have free WiFi.

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Re: FasterMac

Actually, their coverage is somewhat weak, it turns out.

How is it weak? I checked the raw list of phone numbers and it seemed pretty extensive. What state was weak?

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Re: FasterMac

Actually, their coverage is somewhat weak, it turns out.

How is it weak? I checked the raw list of phone numbers and it seemed pretty extensive. What state was weak?

It doesn't have coverage in parts of York county, Pennsylvania, which is all the further I checked. In general, the list of access numbers is much shorter than, for example, BasicISP's.

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