I choose Lubuntu 12.04 as it runs very fast on older hardware.  The install went smoothly enough and before I knew it the software was installed.  There was one problem though – the wireless card was not recognised.  After checking the type of card, it was a Broadcom, I went hunting on the internet to find the driver.  I found the driver in question and set about trying to install it.  I had to unpack the file, after first installing all the required tools for the job, and then make the file.  Do you think it would play – would it hell!!  After numerous attempts it still would not work so I decided to change distributions and went with Linux Mint 12 instead.  Linux Mint is known as one of the best distributions in regards to drivers but still I could not get the wireless card to work.  In the end I resorted to reinstalling Windows XP.

I have the same issues with my antivirus software.  I use either BitDefender or Kaspersky rescue disks to remove viruses from clients computers.  As these are both Linux based I can’t connect them to wireless networks but have to resort to using a cable to connect instead. This is not usually a problem unless you are on a desktop which is in one room connected wirelessly to the router in the next.

This is the 21st century where everything is moving online into the cloud.  People are becoming more mobile everyday but I still have issues getting wireless cards to work on Linux.  This really needs to get addressed or forget using ‘Desktop Linux’ in the future.

About the Author

Hi I am Chris Wakefield the owner of ComTech IT Support. I provide Windows and Linux based IT Support, laptop repairs and computer repairs to both business and personal clients in and around Stirling.

For a list of what I can offer you why not visit my website www.comtech247.net where you will find a list of my services, testimonials, blog and much more