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Question About Linux Drivers

15 years ago

I was using Linux for several months with dialup before I switched to AT&T wireless. No linux distro will recognize the Sierra 875U card so I've been stuck with windows again. AT&T has a driver available to Linux but it requires typing in a list of commands that are frankly way above my head. My question is this.

Is there some reason nobody can make a driver for Linux with an executable file similar to windows? I downloaded an HP driver for my printer when using Linux that installed with the click of a mouse. Why can't the same thing be done for an internet card? Just curious.

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Comment (1)

ravencajun Zone 8b TX
15 years ago
the main reason some things have usable linux drivers and some don't all basically boils down to who will work with the linux community and provide the info for the creation of linux open source drivers and who will not work with them. Some companies simply refuse to work with the linux community to create free drivers for their proprietary products.
HP is one of the companies that has been very willing to work with linux.
There are petitions out there to various companies with thousands of signatures of linux users pleading for certain companies to join in and aid in the creation of drivers for their products to be used in linux , sometimes they help. Recently the petition that was sent to VIA asking for linux drivers made an impact and VIA has said they will start aiding in the creation of linux drivers. I hope they do since one of my linux boxes has VIA in it.

Have you tried Mepis? it will often work when others won't is why I ask.
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