topic Re: Linux won't work with PN? in Plusnet Feedback

Linux won't work with PN?

Heloman — Sat, 21 May 2011 19:49:45 GMT

OK, of course it will.
I pointed out over a year ago this link:
http://www.plus.net/residential/faqs.shtml#equipment
"Your computer needs:
A compatible Operating system
Compatible Operating systems
PC - Windows 98 and above
MAC - OS X 10.5.2 and above"
I only mention it because I recommended PN to a fellow Linux user and this nearly put him off trying

Re: Linux won't work with PN?

ChemicalBrother — Sun, 22 May 2011 14:58:20 GMT

I think those minimum requirements relate to the McAfee software which comes with Plusnet protect.
Everything else is linux compatable as a broadband service isn't OS dependent - your router does all that for you.

Re: Linux won't work with PN?

pierre_pierre — Sun, 22 May 2011 15:51:49 GMT

no it doesnt, that is an extra at the bottom of the list

Re: Linux won't work with PN?

Chris — Sun, 22 May 2011 20:38:29 GMT

I think it was left in as a guide to what we'd support setting up a connection with.

Re: Linux won't work with PN?

Wheel_nut — Sun, 22 May 2011 22:22:20 GMT

Chris,
This is (yet) another example of the lack of quality control on PlusNet's communications. The Web page is misleading potential customers into believing that they cannot connect to PlusNet Broadband service if using a Linux based computer. What PlusNet means to say is either:
a) You will only support setup queries if usinfg Windoze or OS/X etc, but NOT Linux .... OR ...
b) Your automated setup utility does not support Linux
It certainly doesn't intend to say that PlusNet Broadband service is unsuited to Linux Users.

Re: Linux won't work with PN?

w23 — Sun, 22 May 2011 22:57:24 GMT

Quote from: Heloman
PC - Windows 98 and above

Surely any Linux user would define Linux as being 'above' Windows 98

Re: Linux won't work with PN?

artificer — Mon, 23 May 2011 01:26:28 GMT

i've been running pclinuxos all the time i've been with plus.net without issue. joined in 2005.

Re: Linux won't work with PN?

colintivy — Mon, 23 May 2011 15:26:52 GMT

I have always used Linux Ubuntu since joining in 2008. I have a problem now with Ubuntu 10.04.2 which is nothing to do with PN and indeed I am using right now!!

Re: Linux won't work with PN?

Heloman — Mon, 23 May 2011 18:38:41 GMT

Quote from: Chris
I think it was left in as a guide to what we'd support setting up a connection with.

But that is not what it says, Chris. It implies that you must use either Windows or Mac to work with PN. That is plainly wrong.
By all means say that Linux is unsupported. Most Linux users won't be put off by that.

Re: Linux won't work with PN?

gswindale — Mon, 23 May 2011 18:43:35 GMT

To be honest, that list is badly ordered.
If you're going to list

A compatible Operating system

Compatible Operating systems

Mac OS

Then surely it should be

A compatible operating system
- Mac Os
- Windows

A compatible connection port

and so on so forth.
I have to say that part of the page looks like it's been put together by BT's customer service team based out where the grasp of English grammar is severly lacking

Re: Linux won't work with PN?

Wheel_nut — Mon, 23 May 2011 23:07:11 GMT

I disagree. It is the content that is wrong not (just) the presentation.
You do NOT require a specific operating system or indeed a specific computer configuration to access PlusNet's Broadband service. Indeed, I use a Nokia Tablet which runs Maemo, an incarnation of Linux and it works fine.
The limitation that PlusNet intend to apply is that their Helpdesk will only support Windows and OS/X operating systems. The Webpage under discussion completely mis-communicates this.
... or perhaps PlusNet intended to communicate something different!

Re: Linux won't work with PN?

w23 — Tue, 24 May 2011 06:40:16 GMT

Good point, Wheel_nut, in truth I could perfectly well use a PlusNet broadband service without a computer. If, for example, I had no PCs, Apple Macs or any other 'computer' but had a wii and wanted to game online there's no reason I can see why I'd be unable to set up the internet connection on the wii and be online immediately. The only limitation I am aware of in this case would be in updating the frimware on the router (I'm not sure you can do that if you only have a Mac).
The fact is that all you need is ANY internet ready device with either ethernet or wi-fi connectivity. To change the configuration of the router you only need a device with a web browser.
I'b be quite happy to 'install' a PlusNet broadband using only my (Symbian OS) Nokia phone.

Re: Linux won't work with PN?

gswindale — Tue, 24 May 2011 08:37:11 GMT

Quote from: Wheel_nut
I disagree. It is the content that is wrong not (just) the presentation.

compatible operating system
- Mac

compatible connection port
- ethernet

Re: Linux won't work with PN?

Chris — Tue, 24 May 2011 08:41:35 GMT

I'll get this raised internally to try and get some clarity on that page. Thanks for the useful feedback all.

Re: Linux won't work with PN?

Chris — Tue, 24 May 2011 09:22:22 GMT

How about this updated wording:

Quote
Your computer needs:
o An internet browser
o A compatible connection port, either:
- An Ethernet port
- Wireless 802.11 (B, G or N)
However, support will only be offered on the following:
o PC - Windows 98 and above
o MAC - OS X 10.5.2 and above

Re: Linux won't work with PN?

Wheel_nut — Tue, 24 May 2011 15:52:56 GMT

Hi Chris,
That is much clearer. However, some Router settings are best (safest) done using an Ethernet wired connection so you may want to state that support may require a wired Ethernet connected Browser.

Re: Linux won't work with PN?

Heloman — Tue, 24 May 2011 18:39:10 GMT

Hi Chris,
The wording you suggest seems much better. Thanks.
One day PN might be enlightened enough to employ someone who knows the codeword "Shibboleet":
http://xkcd.com/806/

Re: Linux won't work with PN?

jelv — Wed, 25 May 2011 07:52:11 GMT

I know Plusnet has plenty of those, it's just that they come anywhere near the phones!