Cannot access email or internet with Linux

[malibujohn]

On a previous post, I requested some assistance for a problem. I cannot access the internet or email using Linux. I get a message "THERE WAS AN ERROR CREATING THE CHILD PROCESS FOR THIS TERMINAL"
I mistakingly mentioned I had posted a similar request on a newbie forum , when , in fact , I had requested assistance from a friend.
I apologize for the error.
It was mentioned that I had not thanked the persons that submitted possible resolution to my not being able to get my Samsung CLP 315 working on Linux. That problem was never resolved. I stopped the exercise out of frustration. I print with Windows XP. however I should have thanked those persons that did offer possible solutions so I offer my thanks now.
I would appreciate assistance in clearing up the present problem. Although I can communicate via email & internet using windows, I would prefer to get Linux operational again.
Let me offer my thanks & appreciation before hand.
I am a 72 year old recent widower & am not 100% sure of the protocol here.
I am set up with Linux/ Ubuntu & windows XP Pro
John

[rcgreen]

What is your normal method of connecting with the internet?
Is it cable, DSL, dial up? Also, what are the specifications of
your computer, processor speed, memory, etc?

[malibujohn]

What is your normal method of connecting with the internet?
Is it cable, DSL, dial up? Also, what are the specifications of
your computer, processor speed, memory, etc?

I am using DSL.

I am not sure where to find the processor speed

memory size C drive 40.6 GB (23.6 free)
D drive 425.5 GB (418 free)
E drive 107 GB (23.7 free)

[rcgreen]

Does your DSL require a user name and password to connect?
Do you still have any instructions the provider gave you when
you got the service?

[malibujohn]

rcgreen;
I did reply to your question but it does not appear here. I will reenter it.
when I power up with windows, there is a brief box saying it is connecting. It does come up with the Google screen & I can proceed from there.
In Linux, when I attempt to access internet. I get the message "THERE WAS AN ERROR CREATING THE CHILD PROCESS FOR THIS TERMINAL".
It was functioning several months ago. I could not resolve the problem at that time & so defaulted to Windows. I am attempting to fix Linux (Ubuntu) again.
Thanks for your assistance so far.
as I mentioned before I did reply to your last question & was waiting again for your reply . My answer did not get sent
John

[Segfault]

Hi John
It seems your DSL connection is established every time you fire up your computer. This means you need to set up PPPoE in your Ubuntu.
The alternative is to get a router which will do PPPoE for you and Ubuntu will connect just over Ethernet automatically. Being behind a NAT router is good security-wise, too.

[malibujohn]

Thanks for the reply Segfault.

The Linux / Ubunto did work before without a router.
I do not understand the PPPoE.
I know how to get into the Terminal mode but I do not know the character string to solve the problem.
John

[Segfault]

John,

I'd like to help you, but this is kind of hard without knowing how exactly your setup looks like.
Maybe we should start learning how your modem works. What is the model, which ISP you are using?

[malibujohn]

The modem model is a Siemens speedstream 4200 & the sevice provider is Bell Sympatico. The HS service is 100 Mbps.

[Segfault]

This modem has built-in NAT router, ethernet and USB ports.
Are you using ethernet cable?
Have you changed modem configuration?