Connecting

> Heya all. The list seems to be slow today so, it's a good time for questions 
> right? I just started setting up Linux after a long hiatus from serious 
> computer time. (I was in college in 87 for computer engineering, back in the 
> fortran and modula 2 days...) Anyway, I have some UNIX experience, so Linux 
> has been really fun for me. However, I have run into some snags. 
>     I am currently using AOL (no chuckles please, it has been convenient 
> considering how much I've traveled in the past few years. Nationwide 
> connectivity was a plus.) and of course, it's completely useless for a Linux 
> connection.
>     So, I would like to know what you guys are doing for a connection and 
> what you would like to have for a connection. I've been looking into DSL, but 
> I'm not sure I understand exactly how many places I'll be paying for what 
> services when everything is said and done. ie, the phone company for the 
> line? and ISP for connection? AOL to keep my email the way it is? 
>     I think that I would like to have a constant connection to explore the 
> fun of servers and such in a deep end of the pool kind of way. However, cost 
> is a little bit of a factor as well. Like most of us I'm looking for a cheap, 
> effective, and reliable way to connect. Anybody with ideas or suggestions?