Hi all. This is my first post. I'm such a newbie, you can still smell the plastic from when I removed my protective wrapper. So go easy. Things I know/understand. I bought Linux Redhat book, installed Fedora Core 5.
Things I don't know: I am coming from Microsoft environment. I understand basic command line stuff, but not at all familiar with the terminology. I have tried the tips from other threads, but even the basic diagnostic command line stuff suggested (iwconfig, ifcongig, iwlist) all result in command not found.
PROBLEM: I have read many of the threads. None seem to help me. The device manager recognizes my Nvidia video card as a network port (don't know why) and ignores completely my Linksys PCI Adapter. The router is also Linksys Wireless -G, with WEP security key. I don't think the security key is the problem. Strangley I checked the network, it shows my network, but the card in my computer isn't recognized. And yes, I realize there will likely be another hurdle to jump after I install the device to get it to communicate with a router using WEP. Please, one let's not crush my hopes of making any progress so early on in the adoption of a new O/S. I tried adding a new device, but of course there aren't any Linksys devices listed in list (why the hell not, it's only the best selling company on the market?? or is it not supported by Linux?)Is it simply a matter of loading the drivers? If so, where do I put them, the book doesn't seem to list that need-to-know oh so important info. Every thread I have read, leads me around in circles.

I will read more of my book to understand the command line terminology. I'm a few days away from dumping my computer into the Arctic Ocean and setting myself adrift on an ice flow to die somewhere, where I can't affect new users with my operating system dissappointment. Can someone help?

For starters, you'll need to extract some information as root.

1) Create an "X-term" (command line terminal). Fedora probably has this pick from a menu pick like "System Tools".

2) Log in as root by entering su, and using the root password you entered when you installed Fedora.

3) cd /root

so you're in root's home directory.

dmsg > dmsginfo

# Execute dmsg and pipe to a file, so you can upload it.

lsmod > lsmodinfo

# Excute lsmod and pipe to a file, so you can upload it.

Post this output, and offhand there's probably some other bit of info you could post, but this is a start.

It's also quite possible that you might be missing a driver. You're going to need to Google for a driver, if Linksys does not have one.

Thanks Charles,

But now I have more questions than when I began.
I'm not quite at the 'pipe' and whatever else stage.
I'm brand new at this.

One thing however, I notice that when my computer boots.
As it is loading the files. I see
eth0: Failed, device not detected or missing....

or something like that.
So it's simply not detecting my wireless card. Doesn't
this mean that I need to load the drivers? If so how do
I do that part?

Thanks,
J.

Fedora 5 is very old, Fedora 8 came out not to long ago, there have been many improvements in hardware detection and usability.

Also, knowing the exact model of your wireless card would help.

[QUOTE=Polarbeer;2992376]I tried adding a new device, but of course there aren't any Linksys devices listed in list (why the hell not, it's only the best selling company on the market?? or is it not supported by Linux?)Is it simply a matter of loading the drivers? If so, where do I put them, the book doesn't seem to list that need-to-know oh so important info. Every thread I have read, leads me around in circles.
QUOTE]

I have resolved the network card problem. I took the Linksys card out and installed a 3Com card (since I saw it in the list when I was trying to add the Linksys card in the Network Card manager area). Why is it no one could simply tell me it was a conflict with the Linksys wireless card? I dont' find this board very helpful at all.

Probably because there wasn't a conflict. Linksys doesn't supply Linux drivers, nor any information about their cards so someone else can write one. Hence, there isn't a Linux distro on the planet that will recognize a Linksys wireless card straight away. Most of them can be made to function in Linux, but it requires a bit of elbow grease and a willingness to learn about how Linux functions. Extensive Windows knowledge/dependence is usually a detriment as Linux functions completely differently. Elliot asked you some perfectly legitimate questions and you chose to bellyache instead of engage in helping yourself. Sorry you didn't find the boards helpful, but you are in the distinct minority in that regard.

Never once did you mention what model of card you have, so there is no way for us to tell you whether not not it should work. Saying "I have a Linksys wireless card" is about as descriptive as saying "I have a white computer", doesn't tell us what is in it.

Even when looking for Windows drivers on the Linksys site you need to know the exact model and revision of your card, it is no different here. If you can't provide the most basic information needed, we cannot help you.

I have a Linksys Wireless G PCMCIA card, a WPC54G ver. 2 to be exact, it works very well with Linux. From that model number, I know it has a TI ACX111 chipset, which does have native Linux drivers, which would explain why it works.

Hello,

I have the exact same Linksys Wireless G PCMCIA card you mention below. Could you please explain how to go about obtaining and installing the appropriate driver to get it to work? Thanks.

Hi jcantera. Save yourself some time and get a network card if you can.
or alternatively, try to find this one I found when looking for a compatible out of the box solution:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2002188_buy-...e-locally.html

As for the other comments. I posted the exact wireless card model. But I created 2 posts by accident and I asked the mod to eliminate one to help keep his board clean. Looks like it was the one with the required info.
As for the 'bellyaching'. Hey, I didn't get a response for 2 weeks and had to go to a neighbours just to use the internet. I also contacted Linksys support and found out their cards didn't work. So I was doing the legwork myself, not to worry. Considering how important and popular wireless is, any conflict surrounding a wireless card installation (and lack of industry support ) will further delay the adoption of new users to this operating system. And you all know that. I will keep using it, since I don't mind learning new things. Good luck jcantera.

Uh, no. You got a reply from cmnorton about half an hour after you posted and it took you a eleven days to get back to this thread. If you want to bitch, at least bitch about something legitimate.

There are numerous Linux developers who have offered to develop wireless drivers, free of charge, for any company willing to take them up on the deal. They will even sign confidentiality agreements to ensure that the wireless companies secrets stay secret. There hasn't exactly been a stampede to their doors. This is a problem that lies squarely in the wireless industries court. Fortunately, some players like Intel and Atheros, have decided that supporting Linux is good business and their cards work with minimal effort.

Would appreciate help in installing driver for the above card. New to Fedora so detailed instruction would be highly appreciated.

Ram

Welcome to LQ!

Please start a new thread about your problem. Tacking onto an old thread like this will likely mean less attention.