Install on a new Laptop

[Daniel Rucci]

Phillip J Fry wrote:

> Hi,
>    I am planning to install FreeBSD 5.3 RELEASE on my new Optima 
> Centoris laptop (Australian company) There is not much documentation 
> for this model of laptop and the manufacturer offers no support. I 
> have mandriva linux running without a problem but would like something 
> more powerfull. I been browsing the supported hadware docs
> http://www.freebsd.org/releases/5.3R/hardware-i386.html
> the archives and google/bsd. I have found some information but it is 
> incomplete. I have three pieces of hardware I am having trouble 
> finding information about.
>
> Video Chipset : ATI Radeon Mobility 9000 (M9) Lf (AGP)
> Some information in the archive but am still lost.
>
> Wireless device : Intel PRO/Wireless LAN 2100 3B Mini PCI Adapter
> I have read that I need to download and install a third party driver 
> from http://damien.bergamini.free.fr/ipw/index.html
> But to install the driver I have to upgrade to CURRENT, something I am 
> not really keen on as I am not a developer/hacker. Are there any other 
> alternatives out there?
>
> IRDA : Laptop IRDA device.
> I am not really sure about the manufacturer of the irda device. The 
> laptop has an Intel 855Pm motherboard and the manufacturer told me 
> that the irda device was just a peripheral. I have read on the web 
> that the BIRDA port might be of some use. I need irda so I can connect 
> my laptop to the internet through my mobile phone while I am on  the 
> road.
>
> The rest of the hardware seems to be supported. Thanks for your time
>
> Phillip J Fry
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Hey Phillip,
    You don't need to upgrade to CURRENT to use that wireless driver 
(I'm using it for 2200BG in 5.3). Using it while running CURRENT has the 
added benifits of WPA and not having to get the src from the site (since 
its _in_ CURRENT).

Dan