On Mon, 08 Oct 2007 14:37:06 -0400, Lewis G Rosenthal wrote:

  

Hi, Will.

Not if he *has* to use a Windows workstation to complete the initial setup and MAC address registration (in case tech support is unwilling to handle it on their end). I've had this happen (last time was with Verizon DSL, though, and not cable), and I didn't even have a Windows machine handy (only Linux). Very frustrating!
    

Lewis, I'm sure you remember the panic call when we had this, "...must
use Windoze...' issue with Comcast.  I don't remember if I sent you the
full resolution to the problem:

1)  First, do not just deal with the Level-1 Tech when this statement
is made.

2)  Start with, "I suggest you find someone to do it on the central
system, or there are several other HS Internet providers who would like
me to do business with them.  And I'm sure you would not like to have
your name connected with a cancellation because you did not do
everything possible to complete the install."  [Be sure to take
names,..."

3)  There is always a manager/supervisor who can get on a PC at the
central site, and who can perform all the keystrokes required as if it
were on your system.  Once the '[soft]paperwork' is done, they never
need to know what system you are running.

This is how we got Comcast's attention.  And, eCS is doing quite well
now.  [Of course, they are still trying to figure out how to make the
HD-TV and TiVo work, but that's another long story, and why I don't
deal with CABLE companies any more.]