Is Comcast Compatible With Ubuntu?

Comcast is one of the largest providers of cable television and Internet service in the United States. Their cable Internet services are available almost everywhere in the country at speeds ranging from 6 Mbps to 20 Mbps and beyond. Signing up for Internet service is straightforward as long as you already have a cable run somewhere near your access point, and prices are comparable to other Internet service providers. The only requirements to use their service is a working computer with an Ethernet port and a cable modem, which is frequently provided by the company itself.

Ubuntu is one of the most popular variations of the free and open-source computer operating system Linux. Ubuntu's developer, Canonical, estimates that more than 6 million people actively used Ubuntu as of late 2007. Ubuntu's network of developers actively update the operating system, with new releases coming every six months. There are both consumer-level and business-class versions of every release. Many popular applications are available for use with Linux-based systems such as Ubuntu, including Firefox and Chrome browsers. Other software has alternatives that will run on Ubuntu.

Assuming you have installed Ubuntu as your desktop or laptop operating system and subscribed to Comcast's cable Internet service, connecting the two is relatively simple. Your cable modem should be connected to the Internet by way of a coaxial connector. You will need to connect the modem to your computer's Ethernet port using an Ethernet cable. Turn on your cable modem and allow it to boot up. Once it is up and running, start your computer. Ubuntu should recognize and connect to the Internet automatically; however, you can also manage the settings yourself using the network connection tool available with Ubuntu.

Ubuntu is developed and maintained by a vast, international web of computer enthusiasts. As an open-source software, there are thousands of modifications you can make to your own system. There are also an equal number of free and open-source software applications developed by others to enhance your user experience. Mozilla's Firefox web browser has become the de facto browser of choice for many Ubuntu users; however, there are other free web browsers that will run on Ubuntu, including Google's Chrome browser and the independent Opera browser. Adobe's Flash plugin for those browsers can enhance your web browsing experience.