skip to main content

Question About Linux Drivers

17 years ago

I was using Linux for several months with dialup before I switched to AT&T wireless. No linux distro will recognize the Sierra 875U card so I've been stuck with windows again. AT&T has a driver available to Linux but it requires typing in a list of commands that are frankly way above my head. My question is this.

Is there some reason nobody can make a driver for Linux with an executable file similar to windows? I downloaded an HP driver for my printer when using Linux that installed with the click of a mouse. Why can't the same thing be done for an internet card? Just curious.

Sort by:Oldest

Comment (1)

ravencajun Zone 8b TX
17 years ago
the main reason some things have usable linux drivers and some don't all basically boils down to who will work with the linux community and provide the info for the creation of linux open source drivers and who will not work with them. Some companies simply refuse to work with the linux community to create free drivers for their proprietary products.
HP is one of the companies that has been very willing to work with linux.
There are petitions out there to various companies with thousands of signatures of linux users pleading for certain companies to join in and aid in the creation of drivers for their products to be used in linux , sometimes they help. Recently the petition that was sent to VIA asking for linux drivers made an impact and VIA has said they will start aiding in the creation of linux drivers. I hope they do since one of my linux boxes has VIA in it.

Have you tried Mepis? it will often work when others won't is why I ask.

Related Stories

FEEL-GOOD HOME The Question That Can Make You Love Your Home More

By Laura Gaskill

Change your relationship with your house for the better by focusing on the answer to something designers often ask

FUN HOUZZ Everything I Need to Know About Decorating I Learned from Downton Abbey

Mind your manors with these 10 decorating tips from the PBS series, returning on January 5

ARCHITECTURE 4 Things a Hurricane Teaches You About Good Design

When the power goes out, a home's design can be as important as packaged food and a hand-crank radio. See how from a firsthand account

LIFE How to Navigate an Extended Guest Stay

By Alison Hodgson

Keep sharing living quarters a positive experience by pondering the answers to these questions in advance

LIGHTING The Lowdown on High-Efficiency LED Lighting

By Karen LeBlanc Design TV Host & Writer/Blogger

Learn about LED tapes, ropes, pucks and more to create a flexible and energy-efficient lighting design that looks great

BATHROOM WORKBOOK 5 Ways With a 5-by-8-Foot Bathroom

By Mitchell Parker

Look to these bathroom makeovers to learn about budgets, special features, splurges, bargains and more

CONTRACTOR TIPS Your Complete Guide to Building Permits

By Matt Clawson

Learn about permit requirements, the submittal process, final inspection and more

HOME TECH Tech to the Rescue: How to Get Stolen Gadgets Back

Catch any crook who dares steal devices from your home with recording and tracking technology that's easy to use

DECORATING GUIDES Decorating Secrets: Picture-Perfect Way to Hang Art

Save your drywall with these easy steps for hanging framed pieces

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: A Seattle Remodel Channels Palm Springs

By Lawrence Karol

Indoor and outdoor living merge atypically in this Pacific Northwest home, thanks to California-style updates

Sponsored

More Discussions

PC screen goes black for 2-3 seconds....

5

Tired of MS Office 365 Monthly Fees?

1