[somewhat off-topic] Comcast and Verizon

[ehorne-zY4eFNvK5D9If6P1QZMOBw at public.gmane.org (Bill Horne)]

R. Luoma wrote:
> After all this time, I am finally moving.  At present, I do not have "high-speed" internet, but I will now have the choice of Verizon (fios - what is that?) and Comcast... or I could stick with the POTS dialup (as I do now).
>
> First the linux-y questions:
>
> I do not have any MS-Windows desktops (only linux ones).  If I choose to get "high-speed" internet from Verizon-fios or Comcast cable, will this lack be a problem?  If it is, how have people dealt with it?
>   

I don't know about fios: on DSL, Verizon demands that you install their 
software on your PC to get your UID/PW, so I'd just use a Win98 box to 
get the info and then switch to a dedicated router. Fios may be different.

Comcast uses straight DHCP, and their Internet service is usable with 
Linux "as is". However, I recommend against using them: Comcast has been 
blocking ports, applying bandwidth-limit criteria that they refuse to 
disclose, and they even packed a public meeting of the FCC to prevent 
their critics from voicing unfavorable opinions.

> next the Vidiot questions:
>
> Both Verizon and Comcast offer various flavors of TV.  I only have the old television sets (and no converter -- I watch DVDs and such).  Can the old sets be used with these piped-in TV services?  If so, how do I verify this before signing up for the service?  
>   

They'll both work with NTSC, although I don't remember for how long. 
They're required to support older sets right now, but you will have to 
upgrade at some point if you want to continue to get "over the air" TV.

> finally, the phone-y questions:
> I would like to get a land-line telephone (I realize that some of you gentle readers use wireless phones).  Again, both V and C offer these options.  Do people have experience with these land-line phones?  What about long-distance calls?
>   

Comcrap's phone service is execrable. Avoid it at all costs: I had it 
for a year, and couldn't wait to get back to a landline.

I don't know what protocol they're using - I assume some flavor of VoIP 
- but it would cut off randomly for tens of seconds, leading to lost 
calls, mad customers, and constant frustration. They offer "free" long 
distance, but I wouldn't use their phone lines again if _they_ paid _me_.

> I gather Verizon FIOS will involve a loss of the copper wire to the house.  How serious a problem do people think this will be?
>   

It means that your phone will not work if a power outage lasts more than 
a few hours.  The FiOS terminal has batteries in it, but they're not 
going to keep it running through a long-term outage.

On the plus side, the voice quality is better than a copper pair.

> I realize that this topic have been done many times,
> but thanks to those who elect to refresh my memory,
>   

Hey, that's what we're here for. ;-)

-- 
E. William Horne
William Warren Consulting
Computer & Network Installations, Security, and Service
http://william-warren.com
781-784-7287