I've managed to track down what looks to be an ethical and reasonably-priced Broadband provider - www.thephone.coop - they assure me that their service will work with Linux (and their tech support didn't scream in horror when I asked!).
They don't supply a modem. Can anyone recommend one which will definitely work with Mandrake 10 (and with Win 98SE, as I'm now dual booting)? Preferably an external one, as I'm not confident with screwdrivers! Or, are there any I should definitely avoid?
Margot
Replying to my own post to save energy! I've had many useful suggestions, both on- and off-list, too many to continue replying individually, so this is what I'm going to do:
I need to develop some hardware expertise. I've signed up with the local Adult Education Centre for 2 short courses designed for hardware 'newbies' - one on PC Upgrade and one on Home Networking.
By December, I should at least be 'mentally' competent with a screwdriver, and if I can't manage the physical side, at least I'll have met some local people who may be able to help!
My birthday is 2 weeks before Christmas, so by the end of the year I should be able to afford the ethernet card and router - and maybe even a new screwdriver ;-)
Can anyone recommend any books or online resources on hardware? VERY basic level please - along the lines of 'how not to ruin a perfectly good computer by sticking a screwdriver in the wrong place'!
Many thanks to all who have helped steer me in the right direction - I don't know what I'd do without this list !
Margot
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