[CLUE-Tech] Comcast question

[Mike]

On Fri, Aug 06, 2004 at 11:45:06AM -0600, Timothy Klein wrote:
> Comcast bashing aside, if one of your primary intentions is running servers, 
> get DSL (or T1 or the Comcast business contract that allows servers) if it is 
> available to you.  A TOS is a legal contract.  It shouldn't be violated 
> simply because you can, IMNSHO.  If you agree to the accept the service, you 
> agree to live by the rules they set up.  Not trying to pass judgment on 
> anyone, just pointing out the obvious, non-technical issue here.

I don't like violating the agreement anymore than you would. If I could
get DSL at my house I would switch immediately. When I originally set up
my home network I had DSL. I registerd a domain name and set up a mail
server. Then I moved to a new house where I can only get cable. I got
spoiled (as well as my family) having my own email server. Comcast
doesn't allow servers under any plan that I'm aware of. (Even Comcast
Pro at $95/month! doesn't allow servers.) There Home Networking option
costs the same as there basic Hi-Speed Internet. So, it's not as if I'm
not paying for the service. The only difference from what I can gather
is I have to use their router (lease or buy) for NAT and a firewall and
they have to do the install. I use Linux (obviously).  They don't
support Linux so I don't believe they could do the install and I've
setup my own firewall and NAT. Yeah, I can hear you say, "You're still
violating the TOS". True, and I don't like it.  But...there was a time
when you had to lease you're phone from AT&T and cable companies would
not let you hook up more than one TV without paying extra. This isn't
much different I'm using my own firewall and I'm not using any more
(most likely less) bandwidth with 2 computers + mail server than a
single computer user who downloads music and movies.

Keepin' my fingers crossed for DSL ;).
Mike