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
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