Linux to internet

[Giraffe]

Just started looking at PCLOS and might keep it - seems better than some other distros.

The internet connection setup asks for Ethernet or IEEE1394; I have an ADSL2 internal PCI modem, so will I have to get an ADSL Modem? I'm not interested in networking (bit pointless with 1 'pooter!), so no wireless and 1 port would do.

Thanks.

[directhex]

sounds pretty distribution-specific.

what is the exact model of dsl modem you use?

[Giraffe]

sounds pretty distribution-specific.

what is the exact model of dsl modem you use?

Zoom 5506. Actually, it might be the driver for this that causes continuous I/O Read/Write bytes - several GB a day!

I've tried 3 distros now (but PCLOS and Kubuntu are basically the same thing) and Freespire. They all seem to lack any other choices.

[aidanjt]

The bytes have to be coming from somewhere though, drivers don't just read junk from /dev/urandom for the heck of it.

[Giraffe]

Re. the bytes: seems as if it might be to do with the PCI modem's driver, but not sure.

Having just tried Freespire and discarded it, went back to PCLOS and managed to find the PCI modem in the hardware - but haven't any idea how to get it working.
I doubt if there's a Linux driver (certainly not on Zoom's website) for it and I wouldn't expect any distro to recognise it.

[directhex]

the device is a rebadged Conexant AccessRunner PCI

there is a low-quality closed-source driver called CnxADSL

installing the driver will require a lot of pissing about, including with the kernel, with no promises of it working

i can help, but FAR easier would be getting an ethernet adsl modem (or router) for 30 quid or so, and plugging into it via a network cable

[Giraffe]

Thanks, that's the confirmation I was looking for. I've never used an adsl modem, but have bought one for my neighbour. I live about 12 miles from Broadbandbuyer so can just pop down to collect stuff.

I liked the look of this:

Broadbandbuyer.co.uk | Zoom 5651 X4 Single Port USB/Ethernet ADSL2/2+ Modem

so long as the driver's OK! Could well, with a decent faceplate, improve my connection as well.

[ikonia]

I can't find any reference to zoom modems being supported.

[directhex]

I can't find any reference to zoom modems being supported.

using the ethernet connector on it rather than usb, it should work in anything with a tcp stack

[ikonia]

ahhh it's an ethernet device, well done, I missed that totally.

[Giraffe]

I looked for Ethernet as I've garnered an impression that USB id, by comparison, a bit flakey and limited. I could use Firewire - the mobo has it and I've never had a use for it :-(

[directhex]

I looked for Ethernet as I've garnered an impression that USB id, by comparison, a bit flakey and limited. I could use Firewire - the mobo has it and I've never had a use for it :-(

ethernet is generally recommended, because it's 100% os independent - really, anything that can deal with tcp/ip can use adsl over ethernet, even windows 3.1 with trumpet winsock installed