Ubuntu
network-manager package

ISP connection via satellite

Asked by stampede1

I am considering changing to ubuntu from windows but I'm a bit nervous about the internet connection. Currently I am connected via an Ipstar modem and satellite to my provider. Will ubuntu recognise/install this hardware for me?

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Alex Rybicki
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Best Alex Rybicki (alex-rybicki) said : 		#1

Do you use a router between the modem? If so, dont fear, ubuntu should connect fine. If your computer connects directly to the modem, there may be additional setup.

If you have a Ubuntu LiveCD, i would suggest booting that cd, and selecting the option to 'boot without making changes to my system'. This will allow you to play with ubuntu, and to see if you can connect thru your modem to your ISP. Once you boot onto the LiveCD, you will see a network icon in the top-right of the screen. Right click the network icon, click on 'Edit connections' Click on the DSL tab, and follow the instructions from your ISP as to your specific connection.

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stampede1 (selfrey43) said : 		#2

no i don't have a router at the moment so i will do as you advise. thankyou so much!

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stampede1 (selfrey43) said : 		#3

Thanks Alex Rybicki, that solved my question.

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Tom (tom6) said : 		#4

Ubuntu should be able to recognise this sort of hardware. Occasionally someone has something a bit different or too ultra new which can take a bit of work to get working although manufacturers of those sorts of devices are increasingly supportive of linux users :) Sometimes they need a bit of encouragement though.

Also why abandon Windows completely? I have a dual-boot system which was quite easy to set up and is one of the standard ways of installing Ubuntu (and is for most other linux's too). I haven't been in Windows much lately but it's still there as an option for me :)
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/WindowsDualBoot
This is usually the best way to start with a new OS, i think, as it gives you chance to explore when you have time but also allows you to get things done the way you know how at the moment. It takes a couple of months to get as used to Ubuntu as you were with Windows (which probably took a few years? - it did for me). This proper type of dual-boot makes a system much more robust, flexible and enjoyable than either OS would be on it's own.

Good luck and regards from
Tom :)

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stampede1 (selfrey43) said : 		#5

Thanks for that, Tom, sounds like good advice. Do you recommend partitioning the drive or running a virtual box installation?

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Tom (tom6) said : 		#6

I've not tried running a virtual machine yet. Dual-booting is plenty good enough for me. I suppose i would always try to keep a legit working copy of Windows as part of a dual-boot - even if i stripped it right down and gave it very little space. Installing Windows is always a bit of a nightmare and making it legit can be really tough even when it's just a re-install. I've heard that it's possible to install the same version of Windows using the same product key on a virtual machine as it's just a reinstall on the same machine but i think you'd have to ring up M$ "customer support" and be very careful about how you present the truth to them, ie when they ask "Is it the same machine?" the answer has to be "Yes." because it is the same physical machine.

Good luck if you go this way.
Regards from
Tom :)

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Tom (tom6) said : 		#7

If i ever find myself having to reboot into Windows constantly just for one or two frequently needed tasks then i would definitely try out a virtual machine. Most people that have even dabbled say it's quite easy and they recommend it but it sounds like a tough challenge to me as i haven't tried it out yet ;)