A buddy was kind enough to give me an old Gateway 400VTX after I dropped my old IBM w/XP Pro. It is running Linspire and so far, I am finding my way around okay as a first time, first day Linux user. My issue is this. The machine only has an RJ45 ethernet connection (or a dial up modem). The ethernet connection seems fine, but my PCMIA slot seems to be nonoperational. I am no longer very computer savvy, but here goes. In 'compatible hardware' the Belkin P10408-A 802.11g PCMIA card is list as usable. Linspire does not recognize it exists. I threw an old HDD in and loaded XP Pro, it shows new hardware is added, but won't display what and won't light the power LED on the card either.

Anyway, I am thinking the PCMIA slot is dead and was wondering if anyone has used a Belkin, or other, USB mini g device with any luck. I am on it now and tethered to the ethernet via the onboard RJ45, but, what's the use in having a notebook when you really can't take it anywhere. So, has anybody had any luck using a Linspire laptop with a USB mini g and if so, would you mind recommending a specific brand and item?

Thanks!

That stinks about the dead card slot! A lot of usb wireless dongles do actually work well in linux.
Although there are not a lot of native drivers right now, a tool called ndiswrapper will let you take the windows drivers for many cards and use them under linux. You could check the ndiswrapper compatibility list and search for the card you're thinking about purchasing, and see if it works. If it does, then just follow the ndiswrapper instructions, and go from there. Or, just post back if you need help!
Compatibility List
--Drew

Great Drew, thanks a bunch. I will do a bit of shopping around and check compatability via the list prior to purchasing one. I will let you know how I make out.

Thanks,
Tom

no problem!