Basic info on installing new hardware and drivers
 

New to Linux but trying to learn fast. There seems to be a chasm between the basic info on how to load and use an off the shelf distribution, and the ability to install new hardware and load drivers. Can anyone recommend a good reference in this area?

what do you want to know?

In most cases a driver has a form of kernel module. What you need is to:
* load the right module from the ones you have installed
OR
* download the module and compile/install it.

Loading a module is easy (when you know which one is it), you just run (as root)
modprobe modulename

Compiling can be harder, you always need to read README or similar file included.

Thanks - have installed RH 9 on a new machine with a view to creating a home media centre. Next job is to install a Netgear MA111 USB device - have found help via the networking forum here. I'm just struck by the fact there seems to be in terms of published books on how to install new hardware. Thank goodness for linuxquestions.org.

I can't see Linux seriously impacting the Microsoft market until this issue is resolved so that consumers can install hardware out of the box, so to speak.

This gives USB install info:
http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...ive+with+Linux