Comments on: A few recommendations for network cards http://kmandla.wordpress.com/2010/07/06/a-few-recommendations-for-network-cards/ K.Mandla's blog of Linux experiences Mon, 11 Feb 2013 18:19:59 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ By: Two new wireless cards « Motho ke motho ka botho http://kmandla.wordpress.com/2010/07/06/a-few-recommendations-for-network-cards/#comment-45815 Thu, 07 Oct 2010 23:29:29 +0000 http://kmandla.wordpress.com/2010/07/06/a-few-recommendations-for-network-cards/#comment-45815 [...] that the one uses the orinoco module, and the other is ath5k-driven. And considering I already have two cards with those guts, there haven’t been many [...]

]]> By: Foz http://kmandla.wordpress.com/2010/07/06/a-few-recommendations-for-network-cards/#comment-44167 Fri, 09 Jul 2010 08:23:17 +0000 http://kmandla.wordpress.com/2010/07/06/a-few-recommendations-for-network-cards/#comment-44167 Chipsets are the key. That is a fact.

The biggest issue is trying to find out what chipset is in the card in front of you without plugging it in and finding out (the key problem when you need to buy one from a shop).

Unless there is a database somewhere of makes/models/versions to chipsets you are really screwed. Your only hope is to google it (not guaranteed to get you the info you need) or to try it and hope for the best that it contains a chipset that can be used.

Case in point – I bought one the other day, and in the reviews it was “oh yes, xxxx chipset, works immediately in Linux.”
So I bought it. Only to find that the chipset had *changed* to something that was similar to the DM9601 chipset, but the driver source had to be recompiled with some minor modifications (which was supplied on the cd, with another 10 drivers for other cards) before it could be used.
Oh and no instructions on what to do. So I went and re-read the review… posted 2005! >_<
The most recent reviews said "Doesn't work in Linux, Windows 7, or Mac Leopard".

]]> By: Prinzzchavo http://kmandla.wordpress.com/2010/07/06/a-few-recommendations-for-network-cards/#comment-44132 Tue, 06 Jul 2010 21:24:21 +0000 http://kmandla.wordpress.com/2010/07/06/a-few-recommendations-for-network-cards/#comment-44132 I discovered wicd some time ago (obrigado, dreamlinux) and I totally agree with you, but since Kmandla said he uses netcfg, I am curious on what he can throw at us this time…

]]> By: bryan http://kmandla.wordpress.com/2010/07/06/a-few-recommendations-for-network-cards/#comment-44126 Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:23:46 +0000 http://kmandla.wordpress.com/2010/07/06/a-few-recommendations-for-network-cards/#comment-44126 I’ve been using wicd recently. yes it pulls in some GTK deps, but it also provides the wonderful wicd-curses interface.

]]> By: poss http://kmandla.wordpress.com/2010/07/06/a-few-recommendations-for-network-cards/#comment-44122 Tue, 06 Jul 2010 13:32:51 +0000 http://kmandla.wordpress.com/2010/07/06/a-few-recommendations-for-network-cards/#comment-44122 Thanks for that link i have the exact same problem on a computer with an archbang! setup – another thing for the todo list!

]]> By: Prinzzchavo http://kmandla.wordpress.com/2010/07/06/a-few-recommendations-for-network-cards/#comment-44117 Tue, 06 Jul 2010 07:03:19 +0000 http://kmandla.wordpress.com/2010/07/06/a-few-recommendations-for-network-cards/#comment-44117 http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Udev#Mixed_Up_Devices.2C_Sound.2FNetwork_Cards_Changing_Order_Each_Boot

Forget about my eth1 to eth0 problem…I should read the Archwiki more often.

Anyway, still interested on a post like that.

]]> By: Prinzzchavo http://kmandla.wordpress.com/2010/07/06/a-few-recommendations-for-network-cards/#comment-44116 Tue, 06 Jul 2010 07:00:45 +0000 http://kmandla.wordpress.com/2010/07/06/a-few-recommendations-for-network-cards/#comment-44116 Nice Post, actually I was one of those looking for brands instead of chipsets…for years(now you get to figure my skills out).

One question:

What sort of ultra-productive-but-versatile formula are you using for managing (wireless) connections?

I am trying netcfg+bash scripts, but the fact that my laptop “automagically” switches the name of my wireless from eth1 to eth0 and back(under Arch) makes the bash scripts a little bit unstable…

Actually, I guess a good post regarding console-based software for that purpose would be nice… Just imagine old Pentiums becoming the ultimate cool-tool at Starbucks around the world…

]]> By: poss http://kmandla.wordpress.com/2010/07/06/a-few-recommendations-for-network-cards/#comment-44114 Tue, 06 Jul 2010 05:48:38 +0000 http://kmandla.wordpress.com/2010/07/06/a-few-recommendations-for-network-cards/#comment-44114 I recycled an intel pro 2200W (mini pci) to give my T23 Thinkpad wireless. I attached an antenna to the top end of the lid above the LCD, and also installed a u.fl socket (after reading about people making directional antenna’s out dog food tins and pringles cans!) normally attach a little router to the u.fl socket for pretty strong signal. From what i’ve read older thinkpads have a metal composite casing that somewhat smothers wifi signals thats why i had to suss an external option. Probably PCMCIA card would’ve been much easier and averted pulling the thing apart but it was fun. and like you said, it comes down to the chipset – intel pro well supported even an arch wiki page! all up bit of a hack job but effective and cheap.

]]>