Hapoo, or any Linux fans... HELP!

[Nanotech9]

ok, I've got an install of RedHad Linux (got it on the computer when I bought it off a friend).

I need to install a Nic Card in it. I have a 3Com 3c509b all ready to install, but I'm not sure what to do.

So, heres what I've done so far:
Plugged in the Nic in the ISA slot.
Go into the system config screen (the blue and black screen) and told it to enable Network support, and tried to select the 3Com (not sure if I got it to do that part right or not)
Then exited, and typed in the 3 commands (no, I don't remember off hand) to recompile the kernel.
Then, I went back the X and tried to add Eth0 and some settings... the restarted. But on boot it says that Eth0 fails. :(

Any ideas?
Also, I've got a copy of Susi Linux I could install from scratch if anyone wants to help me getting a nic installed on that flavor or Linux....

[hapoo]

easiest thing you can do is to just reinstall linux, when the options menu comes up just select the correct modules. It will automatically find your hardware. (mine finds new hardware when i start up anyway)

as a side note, i've had problems with certain Nics myself. I think i'm using Linksys's right now.


ohh, just to let you know, i'm running Redhat 6.2

[coleslaw]

The easiest distro of linux to install in my opinion is Mandrake. It will basically do everything for you like a Windows installation.

[helius]

That's the same problem I had, but I was installing RH6.2. I spent way too many hours fiddling around with it before giving up. :(

[hapoo]

whenever you have a problem with linux, just reinstall it. quickest way to fix a problem :D

[LordPolo]

I'm inclined to agree with hapoo. Whenever something goes wrong, it is quicker and less trouble to just reinstall. I am getting really good at remembering all the different options I need to make it work. If I ever get smart, I'll image the drive and just back it up when necessary, but I don't think that'll happen. Also red hat 6 = mandrake for most purposes. The mandrake program is the only linux install that looks like the programmers actually spent some time on making it easy. I tried freebsd and debian, and those both made me cry. I don't think I could have gotten through anything with those without a faq online.

[hapoo]

freebsd isn't even linux!!
ohh and people, STAY AWAY FROM RED HAT 7.x . For now anyway. Its really buggy (just go on RH's site, there are a sh*t load of updates for it) Stick with 6.2 like i'm doing and when 7.x matures you can upgrade. Its not always good to have the latest thing out there, usually its not very stable.

[LordPolo]

my bad, I mispoke. I should have said that mandrake is the only super easy install and I experienced some other installs that were horrible for me like debian(linux dist) and freebsd. I was er testing people's intelligence .. really ...