I used to like my ISP

[Leurgy]

The two largest ISP's in Canada recently introduced (what they call) companion software. Rogers Cable wants you to use Yahoo and Sympatico/Bell Canada has partnered with MSN/Explorer.

I find the use of this software too intrusive. Any comments would be .......... well, comments, wouldn't they?

I pay 40.77(CDN) for 3MB. Isn't that what it's all about?

As a customer of Rogers or Bell, removing the software is extremely difficult.

[RRampRRatz]

I'm using Rogers without any software, other than Internet Explorer. As for Sympatico DSL, I believe Xp has what's needed.
This site has good information.

http://www.carricksolutions.com/raspppoe.php#1

[prouton]

Not being in Canada, I haven't any direct experience with either telco and their software, but I have plenty of experience with the equivalent here in the States.

The only time I've found the telco software necessary has been with DSL self-activation, where you have to install the software, go through the initial signon process to establish a userid/password, and then you can remove the software. With cable, you never have to touch the software disk.

As for PPPoE (or PPPoA) connections, there are alternate dialers to what comes via the telco (I hate WinPoet), but I've found the optimal solution to be to get a router and let it take care of maintaining the "dial up" connection. It seems to be more reliable, and it eliminates the dialer software on the computer (or multiple computers). Plus you get a real firewall (not software). Routers are so cheap anymore, it's really a no-brainer decision.