> This is my first time posting to the list, I'm a total newbie. I'm
> getting ready to buy Red Hat and have just been listening to the list
> to get a feel for what I'm going to be getting into... I have a couple
> questions.
>
> First off, I want to get my internet access on my new system through
> the local cable provider, will Linux support these high speed cable
> modems?
>
Yes, althogh some ISPs require different steps.
Check out http://uwsg.ucs.indiana.edu/linux/mdw/HOWTO/
There are several HOWTO's there. One of these is the Cable-Modem-HOWTO.
It might even be in the mini-HOWTO section. Anyway, it has quite a bit
of good info there, including special instructions for several specific
Cable-ISP providers (Time-Warner's RoadRunner, MediaOne Express, etc.).
>
> I have heard there will be a new build of the kernel that is to
> support this?
>
It's already there. The only support that's required is for Ethernet
(Cable-Modems talk to the machine through 10Base-T), and DHCP (an IP
protocol used by servers to hand out IP addresses for
long-term-but-less-than-perminant use).
> I'm planning on using Red Hat for as gentle an intro to
> Linux as possible?
IMHO, the only thing that made RH easier to use was the RPM system
for managing "packages". Packages are files which contain the files
for a particular program. I've used a few other distros, and RH
seemed the best in this regard. To me, the most daunting task
was not installing Linux, but trying to get a handle on what all that
stuff was on my system after the install. RPM letts you browse packages,
get all sorts of info on them so you can decide whether or not you need them.
> Any ideas on when they will be releasing the new
> distribution?
Not sure, but I am guesing it will be shortly after the realease of
the 2.2.0 kernel.
> Will it support the cable modems?
Already does
> I don't want to pick one up now if a new version is coming soon.
>
It wouldn't hurt. You can probably get one (5.2) a CheapBytes for less than
$5 or so with shipping. You can then do an upgrade (RedHat is particulary
easy to update) or just wipe everything and start fresh. Actually,
this may not be such a bad idea, since as a newbie, you very well may trash
your system once or twice. You can't be afraid of this, it's the best way
to learn.
> TIA,
> Kgoss
>
Bryan
