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    Universal wireless run file for all versions of linux?

    Discussion in 'Linux Compatibility and Software' started by Zellio, Apr 22, 2007.

  1. Zellio

    Zellio The Dark Knight

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    Would this NOT be a good idea?

    I'm finding wireless to be hell to install(Well it's taking longer then Windows should, which makes it 'hell'), I think us, or someone, making a universal run file that can install different commands based on what linux you have would be a lifesafer to most noobs.

    The main problem IMO with linux is that it's hard as hell to configure even initially, versus Windows which is easy. If you had a universal run file and could get noobs to boot up linux easily, they'd be able to use it more.

    I have programming experience, and I fear for people who don't. This honestly should be done, then they can see how good Linux can be.
     
    Zellio, Apr 22, 2007
    #1
  2. Bog

    Bog Losing it...

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    Are you calling for universal wireless support? Is that what you're talking about? Please clarify your idea as I too am interested in standardizing some aspects of Linux among it's many different distributions.
     
    Bog, Apr 22, 2007
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  3. BigV

    BigV Notebook Deity

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    do you have a broadcom wireless chip?

    I know my Intel 2915 "just works" with Ubuntu 7.04.

    actually, what would be best is for manufacturers to get in touch with the Linux kernel developers and have them write free drivers (for free) so that they could be included in the kernel. you wouldn't have to do any configuring then, beyond setting up your passkeys...

    http://www.kroah.com/log/2007/01/29/#free_drivers
    http://www.kroah.com/log/linux/free_drivers_faq.html

    I believe I read that the Linux Wi-Fi stack is in the process of being re-written, but that probably won't show up until the 2.8 series of kernels.
     
    BigV, Apr 23, 2007
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  4. Lysander

    Lysander AFK, raid time.

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    Depending on what wireless card you have, wireless can be easier or harder than windows. On well made, well supported hardware, it works natively. On more obscure or not-as-well supported WiFi cards, it can be hell. It's not Linux' fault, it the hardware manufacturers.

    Go whinge to them.
     
    Lysander, Apr 23, 2007
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  5. Paul

    Paul Mom! Hot Pockets! NBR Reviewer

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    It would be hard as hell to configure wireless in Windows if the hardware manufacturers didn't make executable drivers for their stuff. Linux is not the problem, and the devs are doing everything they can to make it as easy as possible (as BigV showed quite clearly). But when you can't get the hardware manufacturers on board, it's not an easy thing to do, and you have to resort to things like ndiswrapper. Which, by the way, is quite a feat in and of itself. I can't think of anything in Windows that would let me use the drivers for this.
     
    Paul, Apr 23, 2007
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