SNIP > As I said in my original message, I need a solution that doesn't > involve screwdrivers - not just because I'm a girl (!) but I have ME > - the combination of brainfog plus physical limitations means that > installing anything that involves taking the case off the box is > beyond my capabilities. > > As I understand it, an ethernet card would be installed inside the > box - which means that I'd have to pay not only for the card but for > the installation of it, and of course there's the inconvenience of > having to take the box to the shop etc...plus the cost of the router > which appears to be considerably more expensive than the USB modem. > > Right now, I can afford the broadband service plus the USB modem. > I'd have to save up for another 2-3 months to go for the other > option. I'd appreciate your opinion on this - will the ease of use > of the ethernet option be worth the wait and the extra expense? > > Thanks > Margot
Margot I can confirm the Alcatel Speedtouch does work with Mandrake. I do not have one myself, but I have set one up for a friend. It IS more complicated to get a USB Speedtouch working than a DSL router, but it is certainly possible to get it to work. You will need the speedtouch_mgmt package installed which contains the Alcatel binary driver. It is not on the download edition, but is available on the Powerpack CDs, or from MandrakeClub. Contact me if you have trouble finding it. I could not get my friends working with the 2.6 kernel, but the 2.4 kernel worked fine. Mandrake 10.0 has a wizard to set up the speedtouch. Information you will need is :- VPI/VCI number - In the UK this is VPI=0 VCI=38 Framing VC/MUX Protocol PPPoA Username - supplied by your ISP Password - supplied by ISP I do not know how Linux friendly your ISP is, but I have just put DSL in for my sister using Pipex, and they are not Linux hostile like some other ISPs. (Good prices too) derek -- www.jennings.homelinux.net http://twiki.mdklinuxfaq.org
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