am writing to ask if you know anything about linux distros operating systems, I would like to install on a dual boot method of linux operting system on my Dell Inspiron 1520 Laptop ( intel celeron ,Vista Home basic,) the only problem I have in the past is that I am not sure how to get linux to identify the wireless driver needed for it to work on a linux based system , I have a number of linux Os systems that i can chose from like

Ubuntu 7.10
Mandriva 2008
Pclinuxos
Freespire
would it be best to purchase Xandros professional
My question is would you be able to install a linux Os and get the wireless to work for me and how much would it cost .. I live in Bideford north devon the uk my email is marcellcello@aol.com .. i would appreciate any help
Thanks

Marcel Lovera

It seems your computer has an Intel wireless card and that it is supported by http://intellinuxwireless.org/ . I cannot tell if the distros you listed include it, but getting a new kernel with mac80211 wireless stack (supported since kernel version 2.6.22 I think) and installing the driver from intellinuxwireless.org (that might be in the distro's official package database, I bet it is supported in one or the other) should get it working. It would cost time of course but no extra money if that's what you were asking for

P.S.: It's not a good idea to ask for replies per Email. In a forum like this all responses are valuable for others that have the same problem and email discussion would keep others from finding the solution of a problem.
P.P.S.: Oh, and welcome to linuxquestions.org!

thanks so much for your reply and welcoming message i hope to be able to fix my problem...thanks again Marcel

dell even sell laptops with linux, and i have intel wireless on this one here, its an acer travelmate 4202..
i am actually using wireless with wpa encryption right now...
wep works fine too, and i use this with vpn for access to the university network...

i use sled10sp1 and sabayon e3.4 with this one, and have setup xandros but xandros and vpn, can be a headache...
opensuse 10.3 is quite good as well...
ubuntu is very workable but mandriva 2008 i have not tried yet, 2007 i have on another pc thats quite good...
i have yet to have a wireless that cant be setup...