Need Linux internet help [newb]

#43 fan · April 23rd, 2006, 12:02 PM

Hey guys, I got a new computer [HP, with a P4 1.3 GHz] for free, and so, I decided to install linux on it. So, I installed Mandrake 10.1 [now the company is Mandriva]. So, now I need help with connecting to the internet [I use dial up]. So, can people help me and tell me where to go?
Also, if you guys could tell me how to install nVidia drivers [a GeForce4] under Mandrake 10.1, that would help, too [a specific link to the drivers would really help].
Thanks to those who help me.

krohnjw · April 23rd, 2006, 05:16 PM

Dialup is a tricky beast. Are you using a winmodem or a hardware modem?

The nvidia drivers are very simple. Make sure your kernel source is installed and then just execute the script. It will build against your kernel source.

After that, edit /etc/X11/xorg.conf and change driver "nv" to driver "nvidia"

#43 fan · April 23rd, 2006, 06:00 PM

I have no idea what a winmodem or a hardware modem is.

If you mean a PCI modem, then I have that. Not sure what brand. If you can tell me where to look, then I will.
Could you provide a link to the drivers.

fourthbean · April 23rd, 2006, 06:47 PM

You can try executing "lspci" in a command line under mandrake to find what modem you have. As for finding out if it is software/hardware I would try searching the chipset/model number on google.

Good for you for trying out linux. It can be a lot of fun if you hang with it.

krohnjw · April 23rd, 2006, 08:48 PM

Most likely it is a winmodem. Find the model and chipset and take a look at linmodems.org to see what chipsets are supported.

#43 fan · April 23rd, 2006, 08:50 PM

My Communication Controller is a Lucent Microelectronics LT Winmodem (rev 02).
Other info. is my Chipset is an Intel 850 (Tehama) Chipset Host Bridge.

samwichse · April 23rd, 2006, 11:35 PM

http://www.heby.de/ltmodem

I'm not sure what kernel mandrake 10.1 uses, but you can find out by typing:
uname -a
on the command line.

You're going to want one of the packages that has "mdk" in the name, or if the number doesn't match up to your kernel, then grab this file and build it:
rpmbuild --rebuild ltmodem-2.6-8alk.src.rpm

It will stick it somewhere in your kernel source tree, in Fedora it goes to /usr/src/redhat/RPMS... just install the file it builds, and your modem should work (cross your fingers).

Sam

#43 fan · April 24th, 2006, 08:50 PM

I think I'll be getting a different version of Linux, because you get more programs and drivers. However, thanks for the help guys. Maybe I'll use this Linux for now.
Any recommendations for this PC.
HP PC
1.3 GHz P4
128 MB of RAM
GeForce4
A 40 GB Hard Drive
Should I get Mandrive [already used an older version, so I'm used to it], Suse, or Xandros or something else? Preferably easier to install and use.

krohnjw · April 25th, 2006, 06:56 AM

Any of those will meet your requirements for easy to install/use.

#43 fan · April 25th, 2006, 07:48 AM

I'll get SuSE then. Because its available on Newegg. And, its $50.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832106312