I've found that choosing Intel network chips (wired and wireless) basically avoids all my network driver issues. But the user needs to know that BEFORE they buy. Someone with lots of experience probably learned this over the decades. I did.
Before I buy **any** hardware, I seek out the specific chip used and look up how good the Linux kernel support is. I've been burned by marketing and packaging that claimed "Supports Linux!" only to find the proprietary driver was for a 4+ yr old kernel that nobody used. No newer drivers were provided by the vendor, so I was stuck.
Live and learn.
My last motherboard, bought in December, was a little more expensive because it came with an Intel i211 NIC. But if that $20 more saved me 1 hr of frustration, then it was 100% worth it to me. I've had ZERO frustration.
Code:
$ sudo lshw -C network
*-network
description: Ethernet interface
product: I211 Gigabit Network Connection
vendor: Intel Corporation
Same for wifi on a laptop:
Code:
$ sudo lshw -C network
*-network
description: Wireless interface
product: Wireless 8265 / 8275
vendor: Intel Corporation
I've been burned from time to time by SATA controllers too, but I don't have any specific wisdom to share about brands. Sorry.
Intel for networking is an easy solution, however.
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