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General discussion

AT&T dsl: question about OS

Apr 25, 2009 10:39PM PDT

i just signed up for AT&T Elite dsl and while doing so, the service rep asked me if i was "using XP or Vista?" i actually use a Linux distro, but do have XP dual boot capability, so i said XP. when i mentioned Linux, she said something like "that's not XP or Vista is it?" she had no idea what i was talking about.

i bring this up because i thought it was none of Att's business what OS i use. i don't shop for high speed Internet service often and wonder if all ISPs ask this kind of question?

Discussion is locked

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It's very simple.
Apr 25, 2009 10:41PM PDT

Let's keep this simple. You must support yourself if you don't use an OS they support.

It's that simple. They have to ask because to set it up, their setup software runs on that.

Now there are some that get uppity over that question but it must be asked.
Bob

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i'm unclear
Apr 25, 2009 11:25PM PDT

are you saying that they asked me because AT&T accommodates multiple OSes, including Linux or Apple? because that lady sure didn't know what i was talking about when i mentioned Linux.

or are you saying they asked me because they wanted to know if i was using Microsoft or Microsoft?

if you mean the Microsoft or Microsoft option, i'm aware Vista and XP are not the same thing, it still seems kind of pointless to me.

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They had to ask.
Apr 25, 2009 11:28PM PDT

Most consumers can not setup the network. They must ask so they know if the tech sent out can use their setup software.

-> Yes there are some that feel that ISPs support all operating systems but they will eventually learn this will never happen. Then again you will read them rail or grind about it to no end.

Nothing nefarious about it. What issue is left here?
Bob

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My guess is that both XP and Vista are supported..
Apr 26, 2009 1:32AM PDT

with their software; and linux is not supported by them so you are on your own if that's what you will be using. It doesn't mean it will not work. In facts, some linux distros. probably works better than windows, hehe.