Linux and ps2 Microsoft ergonomic keyboard
 

Can Linux work using a ps2 Microsoft ergonomic keyboard?

Please advise.
Thanks, Tracey
I have tried several Live-Linux-Distributions from USB sticks, but none of them seem to work with the ps2 Microsoft ergonomic keyboard.
The keyboard lights just flash when a key is pressed, but Linux does not respond.

If I swap out the ps2 Microsoft ergonomic keyboard with the OEM ps2 keyboard then all the Linux Distributions work fine.

The PC, Windows, and Universal Net-Boot Installer work just fine with the ps2 Microsoft ergonomic keyboard.

If I run any of the Linux Distributions from vmWare Workstation 5.5.9 in Windows then everything runs fine too.

Both keyboards have identical key layout.
The only difference appears to be is that one is an ergonomic keyboard.

What is the model number?

A quick search shows the model 4000 works (not sure about the special functions). If the keyboard is not recognised as a HID device then it may not work with linux. Look at the output of the lsusb and dmesg commands to see if the device is recognised.

I would assume that the installer is using the BIOS USB support. In a nutshell due to vmware the MS keyboard looks like any other HID keyboard.

I have an ergo MS keyboard but I have it connected as usb.

Not sure why it won't work. It is a common keyboard to the bios. If you can use this keyboard in bios then you should be able to in linux.

I guess checking bios for legacy support may help. That tends to be some older systems. Not sure any new systems have that choice.

the m/n is E06401COMB
the product id is 71305-584-5108142-08075

I will try some tests: booting from a USB stick and see if there is a common (invariable) point of failure between the different distributions.
(Could/Would) there be a difference between installing Linux as opposed to running a Live CD/DVD?

I was really caught off guard when the keyboard stopped working!
I originally thought the keyboard was failing, but it resumes working apart from Linux.

I can press enter to launch the default Live CD/DVD and I can navigate with the up/down arrow keys when trying to choose between boot options (Live CD/DVD, Minimal Video, Install, etc.)
Thanks, Tracey
BTW this ms ergonomic keyboard (is not the elite version) was used with WinNT (before the days of Win2K).