Linux on older laptops

[Brian Kelsay]

On 12/29/05, Luke-Jr <luke at dashjr.org> wrote:
> On Thursday 29 December 2005 08:57, Leo Mauler wrote:
> > As for wireless support, learn this keyword: "ndiswrapper".
>
> ndiswrapper is just a hack to use immoral drivers. Not a real solution at all.
>
> The actual driver, however, should be picked up by hotplug, though... Seems to
> detect my orinoco-compatible card fine. The only exception I can think of to
> this would be a Broadcom-based card, in which case you get to test out the
> new bcm43xx driver: http://bcm43xx.berlios.de/
>

That is as good as a non-answer.  "Seems to detect my
orinoco-compatible card fine."
Orinocos were among the first Linux supported wireless cards.  Those
and the prism chipsets.  Do what works if it saves you from buying
more hardware.  I actually looked for an Orinoco card when I wanted a
wireless, but couldn't find one in my price range.  I ended up with a
card that had a linux driver written by the chipset mfg.  Luckily they
provided source that worked with the 2.4 series of kernels, but had to
be recompiled for each and every kernel version difference.  I ended
up getting a Netgear card that had an Atheros chipset, that I knew had
a Linux driver.  Much less hassle.