Help with Linux

[penguin2]

Honestly, I suck at Linux. I survive via google and get some help from family, some Linux users and then read forums. But, I am still horrible after spending lots of time with it. Maybe I am a slow learner, who knows. I also get easily frustrated but trying to get better.

I am not a Windows fan. I don't like the 'closed' and 'secret' mentality of Windows/Microsoft but I also find it hard to criticize if it's not warranted. That goes for both Windows and Microsoft.

I can quickly summarize my experience with Linux:

I have no fav but I mostly use Kubuntu. I also have tried Fedora, sidux, Mepis, Debian and looked at Mint with the LiveDVD. I prefer the KDE desktop so far.

I mostly struggle with wireless and if I could manage my time better, I would try to improve at the more technical aspects of Linux including using the command line more. I'm no nerd at it but I don't think I can say I'm a noob anymore?

I find wireless REALLY hard and dare I say, I don't like how Linux 'developers' or users implement it. But, I can't really talk since I'm just Joe Blow user who is looking for a replacement for Windows or at least something else to use 99% of the time. I am not a gamer but I hope to learn more about computers/Linux/wireless/hardware/software etc. etc. The list goes on. I am unsatisfied with my level of knowledge.

I hope that I can improve but I will take a deep breath when I run into trouble.

Right now, though, the issue is wireless and I am wondering if I should ask questions in the 'Networking' forum for that. I have an old Thinkpad T41 and I am having problems with the current card in there. I would like one that is more easily configured in Linux and it would be cool if there is such a thing and I am open to any recommendations. I am prepared to spend a few extra bucks on ebay to find one.

Thanks for reading.

[rokytnji]

I have a T23 that works real well with a lot of distros out of the box. Linux Mint 6 Fluxbox RC1 and AntiX 8 being two of them. My PMCIA wireless card chipset is

07:00.0 Network controller: RaLink RT2561/RT61 802.11g PCI

Which is in a Belkin F5D 7010 PCMCIA Wireless Card bus. Cost was about $10.00 US.

Hope that helps ya. Since you haven't started a thread Here and followed the instructions for posting there using THESE instructions. That is probably the best anybody can do for you at Present. Howdy and Welcome to the Land of Linux. Its gonna be worth it penguin2, just hang in there.

[jayd512]

Hi, penguin2! Welcome to LinuxForums!

Check out the links posted by roky, and get a thread going in the Wireless Section. There's quite a few members here who can work marvels with wireless cards!

Its gonna be worth it penguin2, just hang in there.

'Nuff said!

[techieMoe]

I find wireless REALLY hard and dare I say, I don't like how Linux 'developers' or users implement it.

I can sympathize with your wireless issues, however place blame where blame is due: the manufacturers of the wireless chipsets. Linux developers often have poor or non-existent documentation with which to write Linux drivers for these devices because the manufacturers either don't care or outright refuse to release any information about their hardware.

The chipset manufacturers claim it's for competitive reasons, when their very competitors (companies like Atheros and Intel) have released specs and even actual full-fledged Linux drivers for their devices, and because of this people who have that hardware can run wireless out of the box. Companies that do not support Linux development encourage users to simply buy from their competition.

Is the way non-Linux-native wireless cards are handled a serious pain? Absolutely. Is it the fault of Linux developers because they designed it that way? Not at all. Most developers would much rather include a driver in the kernel (which is where Intel drivers live) but without proper support from the vendor, they're taking shots in the dark.

I am unsatisfied with my level of knowledge.

That's as good a reason as any to keep plugging away at Linux. Good luck.

[XTremo]

You prefer KDE?.....you should give Mandriva and Mepis a try! Both of them are excellent distros and great at installation of devices.