im puting together a new pc and i want to run mandrake on it,
i figured i better buy an ethernet modem but dont know wich one or what
to look for.. later on i want to add a switch so i can share the internet
connection on my network, so what id realy like to know is what kind of
ethernet network card, modem and switch you recomand ??
im not an advanced linux user so anny advice on things that would come
along with this would realy be apreciated..
Thanx a lot

A good starting point would be to check the hardware compatability list on Mandrake's website. Also check the HCL on this website.

One of the most compatable ethernet cards would be any that contain a Realtek chipset like a RTL8139. 3COM, Dlink NICs also work with linux without problems.

Any switch will be compatable with linux.

Ethernet modem? Are you asking about a cable / DSL or dialup modem?

Dialup modems can be a problem. The first choice would be an external modem that connects via a RS232 communication port i.e. the small 9 pin D connector on the back of the PC. Lacking a a com port check the compatability lists. Most if not all internal modems are winmodems these days. AFAIK not all internal modem chipsets have linux drivers. See http://linmodems.org/

With broadband modems anything that has a RJ45 network port should work.
That way you do not need to worry about a compatable USB driver.