I'm new to linux and would like to add support for an Intel NIC to my ancient Red Hat 9.

I'm using RH 9 because I have old books that are specific to it.

The NIC is an Intel Pro/1000 GT Desktop Adapter. I have a 3Com NIC that is supported by RH 9, but I'd like to get the other gigabit NIC working under RH 9 for the speed and to learn how to swap out HW when needed.

I believe the driver for the NIC is located here:

http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Deta...=1878&lang=eng

I have other, newer distros that I plan on looking at as well that I'm sure support the Intel NIC right at installation, but I thought this would be a great learning opportunity for me because I've had to replace and/or upgrade many NICs over the years in Windows machines, but I have no idea how to do such a simple task like that in Linux.

Many thanks in advance for any help!

This qualifies as "jumping in the deep end". You're making things tougher than they need be, but that appears to be your choice.
Trying to get drivers successfully built on a RH9 system was enough to make me swear off (and at) Redhat for years.

You'll need the build tools and compilers at least - could be tough given how old RH9 is.
The readme on that link seems pretty good.

Many thanks for the reply!

OK, I was kind of afraid that would be the answer. I have that problem of thinking things should be very easy when I know nothing about what the job entails.

I'll give it my best shot, but, considering what you said, I'll not bang my head against the wall too much if beats me to a pulp trying to do it. Off to the readme I go for a more serious look...

Thanks again!

I hurt my head! OK, you're exactly right. That was one painful step after another for a newbie like me. And I didn't make it very far, either!

I'm cutting my losses on those books and that release, and going for something newer. I've heard good things about Mint. I'll wipe the RH9 drive and see what Mint looks like.

Thanks again!!