Linux Suse Doldrums

[tarot]

Hi,

Having used computers since the days of DR DDOS, I was not too concerned at the thought of migrating to another OS platform. I like many others have become sick of having to junk or upgrade a computer because Microsoft changes their OS and it will not work on an older but perfectly functional computer.

I therefore decided at long last to try Linux Suse 10.2 as a way forward. I was initially impressed with the ease of loading the program but quite soon found that I had entered a ‘black hole’.

It will not recognise my USB modem (Sagem 800) yet finds my printer on a USB. I found Linux drivers on the Sagem site (via my Windows OS) and thought I only need to run this program to resolve the issue. Don’t laugh, but after 3 hours of trying (and reading the help files) I cannot find out how to install the program via a packet manager. I found my ISP (Tiscali) router settings and again ground to a halt.

I have ‘drowned’ in the threads of the information held on your site to no avail. Perhaps a dedicated ‘new users start here’ basics section would be useful?

I have not yet given up but what I would like to stress is that I am sure that many other potential Linux users have quit trying to migrate to this platform due to a failed basic hardware set up requirement.

I hope that this final point is taken as constructive criticism: -
A ‘Wizard’ basic install program which actually ensures that an Internet connection can be made by one who does not have the knowledge of the Linux OS would be advantageous for the Linux front and the potential convert.

Here’s hoping!

[ennoil]

The problem you are running into is not the fault of Linux. The problem is that USB DSL modems run from both the driver supplied and software contained within Windows. Until companies like Sagem realise that Windows is not the only operating system out there and start producing (and, in this case properly testing) drivers for other O/S's there will be this problem.
I can say that, IMHO, USB DSL modems are rubbish. If you get a proper Ethernet modem you will find it both faster (it will not have the speed limitations of USB) and compatible with any network aware O/S out there.
Complaining to a linux forum is non-productive. Complaints about hardware incompatibility should be directed at the manufacturers who ignore users.
As for the drivers you found, What is the file name and I may be able to help you get it installed.

[tarot]

Hi,

The downloaded file from Sagem is 'Fast8x0_3_06' in which there is eagle-usb-src, sage patch and debian packet manager.

I would not argue that the Sagem modem is much cop as it was free with my Tiscali sign up to broadband!

I would like to point out that I was not having a go at the linux forum, I was pointing out problems that can cause people to stick with Microsoft which I have no intention of doing.

[daark.child]

One thing that may save most people from such headaches is ISPs providing decent ethernet based modem/routers. USB adsl modems can be problematic even on Windows. The advantage of ethernet based modem/routers is that they work out of the box on any OS.

[tarot]

Thanks for the info regarding Ethernet Modems and Linux. I have bought one online so with a bit of luck, come next week I at least will have an Internet link with Suse 10.2.

Perhaps this basic information regarding the weakness of USB modems could be included in the release notes of Suse?

[daark.child]

Thanks for the info regarding Ethernet Modems and Linux. I have bought one online so with a bit of luck, come next week I at least will have an Internet link with Suse 10.2.

Perhaps this basic information regarding the weakness of USB modems could be included in the release notes of Suse?

I personally don't see such a move making a difference to most people. What is probably a good idea is people checking for hardware support before installing a particular distro or getting certain types of hardware. This is what I tend to do because I don't like to learn the hard way that something does not work with Linux and the other Unix OSes I use.