I have a ASUS F50Sseries laptop. I am using Mandriva 2009 Spring. I have tried to get a US Cellular mobile broadband usb modem - UM175 - by UT starcom to go on line. It tells me that I need a 4 digit code or a sims card. I went back to the store and he checked and they (uscellular) doesn't support linux. Ouch!!! Is doing this possible? If so How?

Thanks

Were they able to provide you with the four digit code? Tell them you are not asking them to support Linux, but when you attempt to get the modem to go online, it reports that you need a four digit code or a sim card. Ask them to provide that information, or tell you how to get it (the code)

Just so you understand, the main job of technical support personnel is to get you off the phone or out the door, not necessarily to fix your problem. To accomplish their goal, they will take the easiest rout to get there, so when dealing with them, you need to be careful not to give them an excuse to terminate the support contact (e.g.:"We do not support Linux"). If they give you the no Linux support excuse, counter with "I do not want you to tell me how to get the modem working in Linux, I want you to give me the code it is requesting, or tell me where to find it".

HTH,

The Network Center asked you 4 digits code when you clicked configure? My Nokia phone and my broadband 3G modem also asked me the same thing. I entered any code (such as 1234) and it worked fine. Have you tried it?

Me too tuxindo!

It's the ppp program/app, not the modem

I had trouble with 4digit thing, with the pppo and optus wrlss brdbnd usb modem
Some setups require it left blank.
When I entered 3883 which was an 'example' shown I forget where, it just worked.
Ever since then if I have to reconfigure I use it.
Someone I think said 1111 doesn't work.