Linux convert trouble with internet connection

[wmoss]

Hello, I just set up a computer at home that dual boots WinXP and Xandros 3 (v. 2.6.11-x1). Xandros is based on Debian so I hope you kind folks can help!

Xandros setup went fine, and the internet configuration seems ok. I use a cable connection. Xandros recognizes my ethernet card (Realtech RTL8139/810x). It also is able to automatically detect an IP address (through DHCP) and DNS settings. However, it is connecting very slow. I checked and it is receiving a small # of packets, but sending very little data. Also, there are errors and dropped packets. It is possible to 'navigate' the web, but at a pace that makes dialup look fast. Does this sound familiar to anyone? I am guessing that I have to change a setting somewhere, but I have no idea where to begin.

I do not have any trouble connecting with XP and the connection and hardware are sound.

I would appreciate any help greatly. Thank you very much.

[Dapper Dan]

Hi wmoss and welcome!

The problems experienced in this thread sound similar to the problem you're having. It might be worth trying the remedy there. Hope this helps.

[wmoss]

Thank you very much for the reply and for the article. I think the article was very helpful (psychologically preparing me for Linux). I followed the instructions on that other thread. I also tried several other things to no avail:

I added the 'bad_list' file to /etc/modprobe.d with the line 'alias net-pf-10 off'. I also looked at the 'alias' file and saw that this line was added already. There is also a way to disable IPv6 in Firefox and I did that as well. After rebooting no change.

I found another post that recommended lowering the MTU setting for the ethernet card (I went to 1300 from 1500) and that did nothing.

It is very strange. The connection is under 1Kb/sec and output from 'ifconfig' still shows lots of dropped or error packets. I wonder if it could be a firewall problem? I am embarrassed to say, I have no idea how to check and see if I even have a firewall set up...let alone how to disable it.

So, I am stumped. Any ideas? Thanks again.

[Josh.Ovki]

Hi there,
Are you connecting through a network or straight into the internet? If you are connecting through anouther computer (probly windows) then its likaly that it is a firewall issue.

[wmoss]

I figured it out! So the Realtek RTL8139/810x card did not like it when Xandros was booting with APIC on. I reinstalled Xandros with APM and now everything seems to be working great. Alternatively one could disable APIC when the kernal boots, but I am afraid to tinker with that stuff at this stage! Maybe this info will help if someone is having similar problems.

Thank you!