Aol for Linux?

[algernon]

I have been wanting to try out Linux for a while now but i asked Aol to see if the had any software for Linux OS's and they said no. I know AOL is gay and n00bish but i get it for free because my brother works there. Any of you know of anything about getting AOL to work with Linux. I googled it and found something aobut PengAOL but i cant get that thing to work and i think it doesn't work with the new versions or something., and im a very new to linux so really dont know what im doing. I have redhat9 if that matters. Alos im have a DSL connection
thanks

[FrothyByte]

disclaimer: I am no expert with AOL.

From what you said in your post, you have a DSL connection to the Internet.

I don't see any reason that you HAVE to have the AOL client on your workstation for the Internet to function.

A DSL connection is "always on" so all you should have to do is to plug in the appropriate network information and it should work . . . without any AOL software. Unless you depend on the AOL client to use the internet, you should be just fine with another browser. I suggest Mozilla's Firefox browser (http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/)

[RancidWAnnaRIot]

I had a friend with the same problem.. AOL just sucks dude.. like seriosuly they are horrible.. i mean they just suck ass.. sorry to flame.. but i use to use AOL from about 96-98. After i got rid of it.. i saw the light..

[algernon]

disclaimer: I am no expert with AOL.

From what you said in your post, you have a DSL connection to the Internet.

I don't see any reason that you HAVE to have the AOL client on your workstation for the Internet to function.

A DSL connection is "always on" so all you should have to do is to plug in the appropriate network information and it should work . . . without any AOL software. [/URL]

I tried that. the RedHat9 version i use has FireFOx built in and i oculdnt get it to work.
For some reason AOL somehow made it so you have to sign on to do anything on the internet. Even with DSL, i don't know about cable but im pretty sure it's that way too.

I guess i'll have to wait till i move out and get my own ISP

[FrothyByte]

Here's what I would do.

Call them and ask them what you need to get your machine connected via the DSL connection.

When they tell you to install their client tell them that you don't want to install their damned software and all you want is to browse the Internet.

Ask them the following quesitons:

What your assigned IP is.
What are the IPs of thier DNS servers.

If they say that IPs are dynamically assigned then you have to make sure that in your network settings that you have the Obtain IP from DHCP server options selected.

I don't know of any DSL service that requires a logon. They just bind the MAC of your modem to an IP. If a modem with an unknown MAC connects to their network, it just doesn't get an IP.

If that doesn't work check www.linuxquestions.org for someone who may know more than I.

Good luck.

[algernon]

alright,
i'll try that. thanks Frothbyte

[BillLeeLee]

algernon, do you use PPPoE DSL?

[algernon]

Im not sure what PPPoE is. I have a dsl modem so dsl i guess

[Flak Pyro]

is it a usb modem?

[DR_K13]

flame thread

AOL :mad: sucks, its just adware

[deuce868]

My uncle had a dsl line with AOL on it. I set it on so that his router did the sign on. The only trick was in the username field it had to be the full name hisname@aol.com with the password to work. So I would suggest you pick up a nice router and drop it in there for the PPoE connection. That way you don't have to worry about signing on all the time.

[FrothyByte]

Im not sure what PPPoE is. I have a dsl modem so dsl i guess

PPPoE == Point to Point Protocol over Ethernet

As far as setting up a PPPoE connection, the Linux distro should support the PPPoE networking options and act as a router.

I highly suggest that you use a completely seperate box to act as the firewall/router. That option also gets you the option to NAT (network address translation) out your connection from your one external AOL assigned IP to a whole bunch of internal private IPs for your whole network.

[jpmkm]

flame thread

AOL :mad: sucks, its just adware
It is not a flame thread. The only person flaming is you. If you have nothing to add then stay out.

I believe AOL uses some pretty proprietary stuff for their connections. My best guess would be try the PPPoE route, but there might even be other proprietary stuff on top of that. The reason you can't find any good information on it is because nobody does it.

[DR_K13]

yes chief!

[LadyJaqie]

*shrug* run a windows box and WinRoute PRO or LITE... software router? just an idea.

I used winroute PRO back in the days that it was still made by someone other then kerio. it seemed pretty good.

[Spetsnaz Op]

To have any hope of using AOHELL DSL you're going to have to have it running on another computer, open up a couple ports, and then connect through that computer. How this is done I don't know. Also you could do the router thing, go to Linksys' website to see aohell compatible routers, they say AOL CERTified or something like that (its a logo on the description page)

[algernon]

well, i finally got it working. my connection was PPPoE so i just used the Roaing penguin PPPoP.

I put in the full username (thanks duece868) and in the setup when they ask for a DNS server i just typed in "server" because it said something in the guide to type in "server" to have your ISP get a DNS for you or something.. I dont know why i didn't try that months ago. well after that i'm connected and posting on my linux box. Thanks for everyone's help.

[Carloswill]

glad you got it working - I highly recommend avoiding AOL software on any PC - I wont even email and AOL address...

Good Luck in Linux :D

[AMDXP]

Algernon are you on Pbnation, Just curious....

[algernon]

Algernon are you on Pbnation, Just curious....

yeah, same username also

[AMDXP]

lol get more help here dont you.