Re: Suitable USB WiFi Adapter
On 10/28/2015 8:22 PM, Doug wrote:
Are you sure you can't get a replacement part for your laptop? Taking
it apart and replacing the WIFI unit would be a pain, but would
probably work the best,
assuming that you can get the proper driver for it. I eventually got a
driver to work with my old Dell. And then I reinstalled Linux to a new
drive, and forgot how I
got the damned Broadcom to work--but when it did, it worked quite
well. Also, are you sure your WIFI doesn't work? Do you have Windows
on the machine, and
does it work in Windows? If it works in Windows, it will work in
Linux, but you may have a devil of a time getting the right driver!
Good luck!
The laptop is a Dell Latitude D620. Because of its age I'm not inclined
to buy anything specific to that model. When I first installed Debian on
it if I recall there was a message with the name of the missing driver.
I did an Internet search and although the driver is proprietary I was
able to download it at no cost.
A couple people suggested off-list I replace the older laptop. The Dell
only supports 32-bit Linux but since my portable work is mostly email
and web that's not a limitation. I have a 120GB solid state drive in it
so what it may lack in processor speed it makes up for with quick I/O.
I like the idea of fixing my problem with an external adapter that is
supported by free software. Also, the attraction of getting an adapter
that supports USB 3.0 and the newer WiFi specifications/modes is
attractive. I'm not opposed to spending the money, I just like to be
frugal and get the most value for what I spend.
Thanks again,
Tim
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