Adding a USB Modem

Hi all

I am new to Linux as I have just bought an Asus Eee pc. I like the os, but need to add a 3g Modem when on the road, but the one I am after (3) only seems to support Windows or mac.

Is there a way around this

Thanks in advance

(Sorry if this is a silly question)

Hello,
Welcome to linux.co.uk

Unfortunately, this is one of those areas that the manufacturers have not made it easy for linux users. There are ways to get 3g datacards working, but they tend to be a pain-in-the-neck to get working. I've seen it done on Ubuntu Feisty & Gutsy with a Vodaphone 3g PCMCIA card before...

Best thing to try, is google for Eee pc.

Sorry I can't help more,

Johnathon

hi, am not sure id this will help you, but i found it very helpfull when i set up my own 3g usb modem (huweai e220}. its a bit tricky to set up but it sometimes works. try http://oozie.fm.interia.pl/pro/huawei-e220/#WORKAROUND to begin with. if no use try ubuntu forums as there is plenty of debian type advice there for these modems.

hi again, just thought id post this which i found after digging around the huawei technical forums, regardless of what distro you use this link to a readymade linux installer should help.
http://greasy.com/mustakim/huawei_e220_linux_new_installer.html

I use my mobile to connect to the interweb. I use a SonyEricsson K610i on the 3 network, though I think all SE mobiles work using the same method. And seeing as how 3G USB modems are basically stripped down mobile phones they should work in a similar way too.

Depending on manufacturer the info might differ but the method is simple. With my SE mobile I simply plug it in, tell the network manager it's a dial-up modem, and then configure it as follows:

Dial out nr -- *99#
Username -- username
Password -- password

I don't know for sure but I imagine 3's USB modems should work the same way. If not you could always use your phone... Actually, it's probably cheaper to buy a pay as you go SE mobile than one of their modems. Of course they're not gonna tell you that.

Hope some of that helps.

There's some dialup stuff on this page which may be of some use;

http://demo.linux.co.uk/docs/center/how-to/how-to-get-online-with-3g-broadband