Mandrake 8.2-Win98 USB network connection
 

My PC runs Linux-Mandrake 8.2. My father's PC runs Windows 98. I bought a Linux-compatible printer (Lexmark Z25) and tried to install it on my computer, but I finally gave up because I couldn't find an appropriate driver, so I connected the printer to my dad's PC instead; it works perfectly. Now I want to share that printer. So I bought a CompUSA USB Link Cable and connected our computers with it, using the CD-ROM that comes with the cable to install it on my dad's computer.

On the Windows side, when I go to start -> settings -> Control Panel -> Network -> Configuration, I think I should see the USB link cable icon there, so I can link it to TCP/IP, but for some reason I don't see it.

On the Linux side, I use the dmesg command to check my boot messages, and there it is:

usb0: register usbnet 001/002, Prolific PL-2301/PL-2302

so my kernel is detecting the device correctly. Then I type

ifconfig usb0 10.0.0.1

to create a network interface through that device; when I type ifconfig (by itself) again, I see that the interface is set up and working correctly. I try to ping that interface, and it is working fine.

So, what is missing? Why can't I see the correct connection settings on the Windows side? Does anyone know how to use the command ping in Windows to ping the Linux computer?

Thanks in advance.

Luiz

You have to set up samba to network with a windows box in linux. I'm not familiar with the details but I know it's a common question on how to use a printer connected to a windows box with samba. Re pinging from windows, just open up a dos console and run:

ping <insert ip>

Actually, I'm amazed that you got that usb netork interface to work at all in mdk8.2. I wouldn't have guessed it was possible. On the windows side, if your running win98SE, you should have better luck. Usb support in plain win98 wasn't that good. It doesn't sound like the network interface is properly configured in the windows box to me. If there is any documentation that came with the device, I'd consult that first to get things set up in windows.