An Open Letter To The Linux Enthusiasts. 17394

Hmmm. Debian includes it without you having to compile a thing:

lib-modules-2.6.8-2-386-kernel-drivers-usb-input-wacom.ko

Right. Most distros include the full complement of hardware kernel modules, already built, and ready to load by hotplug or other hardware probing code.

And, in any case, compiling a kernel is not a big deal. The instructions are clear. There are levels of configuration that can be used (editing .config, "make menuconfig", "make xconfig", and "make oldconfig"). If you're the type that even considers doing such a thing, you'll find it fairly easy to find your hardware in the configuration. You do have to proceed carefully -- if you're the type that just charges ahead and hopes things will somehow work out, you can get burned.

Much of the hardware in the kernel has an accompanying text file for help in configuration and usage of the hardware's kernel module.

Add the name of the module toetc-modules, boot to your new kernel, and you should be good to go.

If your kernel somehow doesn't work correctly, boot to the old one, figure out what went wrong, and do it again.

-- When all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.