Download Constructional Project

Surfing The Internet
Net Work
Alan Winstanley
Putting on a MAC
I decided to start a new project to see how cheaply I could
put together an Internet-enabled computer using free Linux and
Many Internet users will know the sinking feeling when they
legacy computer parts. So, with an open mind I fetched Ubuntu
start to download a large file and, after an encouraging start, their
from www.ubuntu.com, burned the 700MB image onto a CD and
sprightly download rate proceeds to fall off a cliff: the deliberate
then spun it up on a spare old Dell PC. In what might be viewed
throttling back of data traffic by some service providers frustrates
as an act of divine Billgatesian intervention, the Dell’s hard disk
the efforts of avid Internet users engaged in fetching large music
promptly self-destructed! This was possibly due to ageing in
or video files, unless they leave their machine running overnight
storage, but a second hard disk, scrounged off eBay especially for
– a throwback to the dark dial-up days. In the writer’s case, a
the job, joined its forebear in hard disk hell. Disappointingly, my
theoretical 8Mbps tariff (2Mbps actual) via Tiscali ADSL was
zero-cost objective was defeated, which I put down to beginner’s
yielding a miserable 20 or 30kbps download at peak times.
bad luck.
This maddening performance, coupled with the higher monthly
All went swimmingly well on a third hard disk, and I was soon
tariff compared with ‘new customers only’ rates, meant it was
experiencing the Linux front-end for the first time – a clean and
finally time for a change. In the UK, the procedure of switching
attractive GUI being viewed on a
broadband ISPs involves cancelling
(free) high-end Iiyama CRT monitor.
the existing service and obtaining
The USB mouse was found without
a MAC (Migration Authorisation
a problem. Helped by some Linux
Code) from them to pass to the new
books (from an Oxfam bookshop
provider. This must be done within
– this is about price, remember!) I
a set timeframe or it automatically
configured the toolbar, found my
times out. In Tiscali’s defence,
way to the all-essential Terminal
after cancelling the service the
program and started to find my way
process was 100% troublefree. The
around.
MAC code was emailed within the
I am sorry to disappoint my
hour, confirmed in writing and the
Linux-loving readers, but progress
changeover took just seven days.
is presently stalled by the need
The new ADSL logins were
to install a USB wi-fi adaptor,
duly delivered by the new ISP
wrapping a Linux shell around
(Swift Internet) and configured
a suitable Windows driver. This
in the router once the old service
The Asus Eee PC range is an extremely capable mini
highlights one drawback, namely
went down. The difference
laptop running Linux or Windows, with a solid-state
the need for arcane command-line
was
immediately
noticeable,
disk and 802.11g wifi that’s finding favour amongst
operations that are not intuitive
particularly with large files that
professional, mobile workers, families and young
to seasoned Windows users; my
now download at a consistent
users alike
limited experience tends to reaffirm
285kbps – roughly ten times faster
my belief that installing Linux the
than before.
first time is a task for computer enthusiasts having some time on
Remember that ADSL services are contracted for typically 12
their hands. Even so, the necessary information can be Googled
months, so you may not be able to move if you are locked into
and it is only a question of devoting resources to completing the
your current contract. When cancelling, you will lose any email
project in ‘slow time’. I guess it is easy when you know how –
or web addresses that are tied to your current broadband service.
watch this space.
Apart from switching supplier via a MAC code, you could also
Setup issues aside, Linux is an elegant OS that is literally child’s
cancel broadband altogether. It then takes BT approximately two
weeks to remove the broadband tag on your line, until which time
play to use. As a sign of things to come, the Asus Eee PC (http://
you cannot utilise any broadband supplier on that line at all.
eeepc.asus.com/global/product.htm) is a very cheap (from £200)
ISPs that supply your broadband service are compelled to cosmall screen laptop with a choice of Linux or Windows. Although
operate with transfer requests by issuing a MAC code. Details
initially designed for children, its desirable features include a solid
of the MAC transfer process and complaints procedure can be
state disk (from 2GB) and very compact form factor that will appeal
found at OFCOM’s site at: www.ofcom.org.uk/consumeradvice/
to mobile Internet workers. It is a dinky thing and I was impressed by
internet/service/switch/mac/
some quick keyboard trials; EPE contributor Thomas Scarborough
in Cape Town is pleased by the bundled office software, but less so
by the heat output. For many general Internet users on the move, the
Linux – almost child’s play?
novel Asus Eee PC may be a breath of fresh air that offers the mass
Although Net Work is an Internet not a computer column, in
market a refreshing introduction to Linux.
recent issues I touched upon the subject of Linux, the alternative
In forthcoming articles I will describe the fly-on-the-wall view
operating system that gives Windows XP a serious run for its
of a real-life Internet money laundering fraud, and point to some
money – especially as Linux is entirely free. My thanks go again
DOS-based tools to check your internet setup. I will also look at
to reader Simon Faulkner, who provided some helpful pointers. I
online techniques to analyse domain name ownership, networks
must admit to having next to no experience of using Linux, which
and web site hosting will also be outlined. Readers can email Alan
is only due to lack of time, and not because of any prejudice on
my part.
at: [email protected]
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Everyday Practical Electronics, August 2008