Linux & Intel PROWireless: special firmware required

Hello,

my Acer notebook is equipped with an Intel PRO-Wireless 2915ABG Network WLAN module.

Suse Linux 10.0 can detect the card, but the "internet tests" is aborted with the message that no "interface" is found.

I buttume that Linux has not installed any driver for this card during the installation.

However you can read there:

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

In order to use the IPW2200 driver you will need the following:

1.. Linux kernel version 2.6.8 or newer. See README.ipw2200 for information on specific options required to be enabled in the kernel. 2.. Wireless Extensions (v17) and Tools (v28) 3.. The ieee80211 subsystem. 4.. The IPW2200 driver. You can obtain the latest development snapshot below. 5.. The IPW2200 binary firmware image. The firmware can be obtained here. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Regarding (5.) what does this exactly mean ? Am I really equired to flash the card with this firmware file ?

What would then happen if I'm using the notebook with Windows XP again (or let's say I have no choice other that using a dual system and not solely Linux) ?

Will the card then also work with together with Windows XP as well ?

Could please someone having experience this give me information on this ?

Thanks a lot !