Debian install didn't go to plan!

moneyuser

Since everyone is going on about Linux I decided to give it another try...

I decided on Debian, I've tried various other flavours and like debs the most. The problem is it won't find my inbuilt network card. I have this Foxconn m/b. It uses the nForce 4 chipset, according to NVidia, linux should support this NIC using the forcedeth module, but setup fails to find the card

modprobe gives the following

/lib/modules/2.4.27-2-2-386/kernel/drivers/net/forcedeth.o: init_module: No such device
Hint: insmod errors can be caused by incorrect modules parameters, including invalid IO or IRQ parameters

insmod failed

I downloaded the drivers from the nvidia site but it doesn't look like it has a package for debs and tbh I'm not sure what I would do with it if it did anyway :rolleyes: Complie it?

What do I do now? Please don't suggest a different PC, NIC or linux.

TIA

Skint1

I use Ubuntu Edgy. It is the best for people who are new to Linux. I used Automatix to install all the stuff to get my box up and running.

http://www.ubuntuforums.org/

http://www.getautomatix.com/

I hope this helps. Ubuntu is derived Debian. Don't give up join the forum and ask for help. They don't mind and are really helpful. Good luck.

wolfman

Automatix does make things easy to install, but when upgrading it can cause big problems. You can basically end up in "dependency hell" due to some packages not working via official repositories, and that may not have an upgrade path.

A lot of the packages Automatix installs can be found quite easily, and installed using the typical "apt-get install" command.

I too would recommend trying Ubuntu over Debian.

moneyuser

I've tried Ubuntu, the installer just hangs, I've left it for over an hour before on a blue screen :rolleyes:

bat999

Hi moneyuser
If you're having difficulties installing Ubuntu there is an 'alternative install' version you could try.
Download it from here if you're interested:-
http://releases.ubuntu.com/edgy/

wolfman

Yeah use the Alternative Installer. I have to use it as the standard disc won't work with my graphics card/widescreen monitor.

It's text based but it works.