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View Full Version : Pre OS install Modem compatability check


its_jon
August 22nd, 2005, 11:09 AM
I have had a lot of problems trying to get a USB modem to work with Ubuntu.

Its starting to look like it never will......

This is a bit unfortunate as I was really looking forward to a fresh alsmost hassle free install and set up.... but its all turning into a bit of a straign to stick with it now....

I have since learned that USB modems are notoriously difficult to support.

What would have made things much easyer for me would have been a web based compatability check for hardware prior to my request for Ubuntu disks....... This could have prepared me for the possability that I would have had no web connection after install ......With this knowledge I could have purchased a known working modem unit..

It really would not have turned me away from trying Ubuntu, in contrast I would have been impressed that the Ubuntu distro insisted on a hardware compatability check prior to either download or order of the disks. ......

Here is a thought::::

Why not get in touch with a modem company and create a Ubuntu branded modem !.....just a simple cheap and cheerful model that only sells for a few dollars, then at the end of the hardware compatability check you could suggest that the ubuntu modem also be ordered for a small cost, or, depending on the manufacture cost and the depths of the Umbuntu finantial generosity maybe the modem could also be deliverd to the door free gratis. ?????? This way you WILL finally elliminate the connection issue.

It would be nice to see a Ubuntu logo on a piece of hardware as well....


Arrr...... here is another thought.... Why not spread the risk with other leading Linux distro's ??

MrCheese
August 22nd, 2005, 11:17 AM
I have had a lot of problems trying to get a USB modem to work with Ubuntu.
What would have made things much easyer for me would have been a web based compatability check for hardware prior to my request for Ubuntu disks....... This could have prepared me for the possability that I would have had no web connection after install ......With this knowledge I could have purchased a known working modem unit..

It really would not have turned me away from trying Ubuntu, in contrast I would have been impressed that the Ubuntu distro insisted on a hardware compatability check prior to either download or order of the disks. ......



The live cd should perform that function - if it detects your hardware it will work with the hdd installed version.

AgenT
August 22nd, 2005, 11:35 AM
As far as having a database of compatible hardware: there actually is one for Ubuntu in the wiki (but it is very lacking). There are also a lot of dedicated websites with feature databases for hardware working with Linux. For example, for printers there is linux-laptop.net and tuxmobil.org. Typing in linux modem in a search engine brings up a few websites. Not sure about usb modems but there are general hardware compatibility websites as well that may have usb modems.

its_jon
August 22nd, 2005, 12:38 PM
Yup.....its good that these sites exist.

But for me or other newbies with unknown hardware issues trying out Linux this comes too late.
Im sure I will be up and running one way or another......

Put it this way though, if a Ubuntu recommended USB modem or even a Ubuntu branded modem existed then I would have no doubt in my mind about wht to buy you see!.

I could believe that a ubuntu mouse mat or coffee mug exists, why not a Ubuntu modem ?

sounds like a good idea to me :)