| I disagree, being a regular end user. As I've said many times, I have no particular knowledge or background in computers or tech of any sort, and I find linux to be much easier to use than Windows, despite over two decades of exclusive windows use before ever trying it. And I hate to tell you, but a clean windows install certainly does not detect all your hardware easy peasy. Manufacturers include disks with the drivers on them for windows, or you have to search all over the web for what you need.
In linux, if there is a driver for the hardware, it is almost always included in the kernel. But yes, there is hardware that isn't supported. Again, generally because the manufacturers don't support it. You're right that in part that is because the there is at least a perception that the user base isn't there to make it worth their while. Also, because of the quick evolving nature of linux, it can be hard to keep up with it. And because many times they don't want to open up their code, and many distros won't ship with non-free software.
As for giving up, as far as I can see, you haven't really tried yet. You didn't post anything we can use to help you, such as the chipset of your wireless card. I would wager you have a broadcom card of some sort, which is generally quite simple to get working. Though support for it is better in the new Ubuntu 9.04 than 8.10. If you decide to persevere, please follow the instructions in the link I posted and give us the info we need to help. If not, that's ok too. |