In using our netbooks, I have been very impressed at the Ubuntu implentation of network manager; in its menu of mobile broadband providers; I can plug in a Huawei modem and be connected to the network in seconds;and I can embellish this by describing the Ubuntu variants I have tried this on with our Eee netbooks; that all work the same way;
I have tried OpenSuse in the same way on our desktop (11.0) and it is a laborious process; and I never get there because I would have to go and research what numbers to enter;
and I downloaded the new PCLinuxOS 2009.2 that is out: it uses a mandriva core I believe? and it too would not auto-configure the way that any Ubuntu derivatives do;I gave up;
as much as possible, I prefer quick and easy;
so I would suggest that if linux enthusiasts want newcomers to derive the satisfaction of quickly logging on to their local mobile network, they look at implementing the Ubuntu way for network manager
Interesting as that is, I’m not sure why you posted in this forum section. openSUSE 11.0 is far from pre-release. Did you consider trying with 11.1? This is a help forum. Picky, I know, but you don’t seem to be asking for help. Chit-chat or Soapbox might be a better place.
as much as possible, I prefer quick and easy;
Don’t we all…
You could try using the openFate system from the main site to submit a request to Development for inclusion of the support in 11.2
OK I’ll respond and move the thread at the same time:
I find in Gnome that when I install openSUSE (with Gnome) – at the end I see a network manager applet in the panel/tray/systray (whatever). I insert my USB mobile dongle. I click the systray icon, and there it is under Mobile Broadband – supply login & dial numer info → voila connected. It’s exactly the same as in Ubuntu, same nm applet.
A lot of this has to do with the large variety of usb broadband modem devices becoming available, (although at a device level they behave similarly). Each new distro release comes with updated hal (device files) and kernel versions, so new devices may only be directly supported in recent versions. NetworkManager depends on these updates for device recognition and management. I’m using a Sierra 597 that is not yet handled by NetworkMamager (with openSUSE11.0/11.1), but probably will be ok with 11.2. For now, it is a simple matter to use KInternet (or equivalent dialer).
