Toshiba Satellite laptop and Dial-up

by cremeanglais Sep 12, 2008 7:18PM PDT

Hi,

As a silver surfer I have dcided to move from XP to Linux. The problem I have is that I am currently living in rural France which means no access to Broadband. I understand that as I have a software modem it will not work in Linux. Therefore can anyone please advise me as to which modem I should go for and where is the best place to get one? I am currently using a Toshiba Satellite P30-133 running XP SP3.

Any help gratefully received.

CremeAnglais

Discussion is locked

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Re: dial up

by Kees Bakker Sep 12, 2008 7:41PM PDT

If a software modem doesn't work (some will do, I read, because they have Linux software also), you need a hardware modem.
First thing to decide on: the interface: the old-fashioned 25-pin serial, 9-pin serial or USB. Depends on what's available, of course. But serial is old and proven, so I would use that if possible.

From that point on, it shouldn't be too difficult.

Some links (found with google DIAL UP MODEM LINUX):
http://www.linux.org/lessons/beginner/l17/lesson17d.html
http://www.faqs.org/docs/Linux-HOWTO/Modem-Dialup-NT-HOWTO.html
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=466862

Still, I doubt of your choice for Linux is a wise one. Is it supported by Toshiba? Do you have drivers for all Toshiba laptop specific hardware? Do you have the right kind of knowledge or expertise to install and run Linux on your own?
To be on the safe side: investigate dual-boot (so you can keep using XP as long as you're busy installing and learning Linux) or buy a second-hand computer to install Linux on and play with it until you feel confortable enough to have it as your only option.

The best place to buy a modem: a nearby computer shop.

Best of luck.

Kees

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And the non-driver solution.

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Sep 12, 2008 10:43PM PDT

Use your wifi to a device like this.

-> Read http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/news/article.php/3405211

Look for the WiFlyer. Such as reviewed at http://reviews.cnet.com/wireless-access-points/always-on-wireless-wiflyer/4505-3265_7-31155242.html

You can also connect via ethernet to the WiFlyer if you failed to get your Wifi working.
Bob

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CNET Forums tracked thread notif

by cremeanglais Sep 18, 2008 1:22AM PDT

Hi,

Many thanks for the info. Although I used to be an electronics engineer, I have no experience of software. My Toshoba laptop is currently running dual boot with Ubuntu. Everything seems to work ok except the ability to get on-line - hence the request for help. I also have a desk top Pentium 3 computer which I built myself. I am hoping to convert that to Linux as well. As it has an Olitec Modem PCI 56K/V92 I am hoping that connecting to the internet will be easier. Although the WiFlyer sounds interesting, I am concerned about its ability to be 100% reliable, especially living where we do here in the French countryside.

Best regards,

Cremeanglais

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"100% reliable"

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Sep 18, 2008 1:34AM PDT

Sorry, dialup has never been that good. I only offered this as a solution to trying to get your modem working in said OS which can be nearly impossible. I know better than to spend more then 10 minutes on any modem before I replace it with a working, supported model.
Bob

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Re: Your reply

by cremeanglais Sep 18, 2008 10:01PM PDT

Hi,

Unfortunately where we live in France there is no likelyhood of any form of broadband for at least another year. So we are stuck with dial-up for the foreseeable future. Also there are very few local computer shops, and although my French is sufficient to live here it falls down where computer technicnology is concerned. Therefore can you please advsie as to which modem would suit my situation and where is the best place to order it from?

Regards,

Cremeanglais

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"100% reliable"

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Sep 18, 2008 11:12PM PDT

Sorry, with your words as a guide to wanting "100% reliable" I know nothing that comes close. If this was my setup my solution above would be what I would be using. It is possible you didn't understand what it did and thought it was some broadband or other solution.
Bob

Toshiba Satellite laptop and Dial-up

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