Re: newbie: installing new drivers
1. I just added an ethernet card to my system (3Com SC509TP) and I understand that I'm supposed to use the driver 3c509. My question is *how* do I get the system to load that driver? (If I were installing linux again You will have to re-compile the kernel ( read the kernel HOWTO, in /usr/doc/HOWTO). I don't think so. That driver comes with debian, it just does not install by default. All you need to do is run modconf, cursor down to the net modules, select the 3c509 and it should install just fine if everything is at its defaults. You might need to give it the I/O address. I've only been on this list a few weeks. One thing I've noticed when someone asks a question about installing a driver -- network, sound, etc. -- back comes the answer you have to recompile the kernel. But, you don't, in most cases, as they are loadable. I don't know all the issues re recompiling versus loadable drivers, but the latter is easier. Is the problem here that many responses are from people familiar with older versions of Linux and accustomed to doing it the old way? Same goes for some of the HOWTOs. Regards, Barry Kauler
Re: newbie: installing new drivers
On Mon, 21 Jun 1999, Barry Kauler wrote: I've only been on this list a few weeks. One thing I've noticed when someone asks a question about installing a driver -- network, sound, etc. -- back comes the answer you have to recompile the kernel. But, you don't, in most cases, as they are loadable. I don't know all the issues re recompiling versus loadable drivers, but the latter is easier. Is the problem here that many responses are from people familiar with older versions of Linux and accustomed to doing it the old way? Same goes for some of the HOWTOs. Most of the HOWTOs were written for Linux in general. Not every distro includes a default kernel that has whatever feature already compiled as a module, so they take the safest route and tell you that you have to recompile. i can't speak for anyone else, but the reason i say that the kernel must be recompiled is that i don't know what modules come with the debian prepackaged kernels anymore. When i installed, no sound support was included (likely to keep the size down, sound isn't necessary for installation). When i wanted sound, i had to recompile the kernel. Of course, i only chose the options i needed; why should i include support for every NIC when i only need 3c59x.o, for example? Also, for the most part we don't know if the person asking the question has the prepackaged kernel or if they've already recompiled. In order to have the module to insert, you have to compile the kernel with that particular option configured as a module. IIGC even copying the module from someone else wouldn't work if support for that module wasn't compiled into your kernel...
Re: newbie: installing new drivers
David Brode wrote: 1. I just added an ethernet card to my system (3Com SC509TP) and I understand that I'm supposed to use the driver 3c509. My question is *how* do I get the system to load that driver? (If I were installing linux again I could use dbootstrap, but I have the feeling there's an easier way.) The boot msg doesn't have any eht0 mention or any other mention of the card. 2. how would your answer change if I told you I had TWO ethernet cards I wanted to install? hi, you need to reconfigure and compile a new kernel. Check out the kernel-Howto and the debian FAQ's kernel section at: http://www.debian.org/doc/FAQ/debian-faq-11.html for more info. When you type make menuconfig in the /usr/src/linux directory, one of the categories is Network Device Support. Under that, select 3COM cards and then select the 3c509 driver. I have two NICs installed. They are both the same and they are both recognized at boot. If they're different, then I would think you just select the driver needed as you did for the 3c509. hth -- __ _ Mark Wagnon Debian GNU/ -o) / / (_)__ __ __ Chula Vista, CA /\\/ /__/ / _ \/ // /\ \/ / [EMAIL PROTECTED] _\_v/_/_//_/\_,_/ /_/\_\ http://www.debian.org
Re: newbie: installing new drivers
Subject: newbie: installing new drivers Date: Fri, Jun 18, 1999 at 04:54:10PM -0600 In reply to:David Brode Quoting David Brode([EMAIL PROTECTED]): 1. I just added an ethernet card to my system (3Com SC509TP) and I understand that I'm supposed to use the driver 3c509. My question is *how* do I get the system to load that driver? (If I were installing linux again I could use dbootstrap, but I have the feeling there's an easier way.) The boot msg doesn't have any eht0 mention or any other mention of the card. You will have to re-compile the kernel ( read the kernel HOWTO, in /usr/doc/HOWTO). The kernel howto is written for the Slackware dist. so doesn't mention the Debian way, which uses make-kpkg (man make-kpkg). For either method yoy will have to run ( in /usr/src/linux) either make config (ugh), make menuconfig (!), of if you have X running and are in an xterm, make xconfig (!!). The howto exolains this. You will then have to select your network card(s) as either modules or compile them into the kernel. While you are at it you might try making other options modules as well. Git it a go and come back here if you have more questions. 2. how would your answer change if I told you I had TWO ethernet cards I wanted to install? It would not change at all. I mught add something about the file /etc/conf.modules but it is too soon to bother you with that now. 1, 2, or 3 cards, mox nix, you still have to com¶ile the kernel. HTH, YMMV, HAND -- Has anyone had problems with the computer accounts? Yes, I don't have one. Okay, you can send mail to one of the tutors ... -- E. D'Azevedo, Computer Science 372 ___ Wayne T. Topa [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: newbie: installing new drivers
Just run modconf. It is the same program that is used during setup. You might have to play with ios and irqs if first attempts fail. Sergey. On Fri, 18 Jun 1999, David Brode wrote: 1. I just added an ethernet card to my system (3Com SC509TP) and I understand that I'm supposed to use the driver 3c509. My question is *how* do I get the system to load that driver? (If I were installing linux again I could use dbootstrap, but I have the feeling there's an easier way.) The boot msg doesn't have any eht0 mention or any other mention of the card. 2. how would your answer change if I told you I had TWO ethernet cards I wanted to install? tia
newbie: installing new drivers
1. I just added an ethernet card to my system (3Com SC509TP) and I understand that I'm supposed to use the driver 3c509. My question is *how* do I get the system to load that driver? (If I were installing linux again I could use dbootstrap, but I have the feeling there's an easier way.) The boot msg doesn't have any eht0 mention or any other mention of the card. 2. how would your answer change if I told you I had TWO ethernet cards I wanted to install? tia
