NIC to work on Linux


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More important than the brand is the chip used in the card. Most cheaper cards (the Linksys LNE100TX, some Network-Everywhere (subsidary of linksys), and others) use the tulip module. Others (many onboard LAN's, some D-Link cards) use RealTek modules (RTL-8139 aka 8139too.o). These cards are relatively cheap (all under 20 bucks, easily) and are good buys IMHO for their low cost and excelent linux support.

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A friend offered me a used Netgear FA311 for $4.  Is this a good buy?

Netgear is a well known name, The specs look fine... $4 is a great price. Do it! :yes:

Anyway, Linux has better NIC support than about anything else. I've never had a problem with a NIC in any current Linux build.

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I have yet to find a card that won't work in linux with either it's own specific kernel module or (when all else fails) by using the ne2000 driver - it's not the fastest or prettiest dirver but it will get the job done in a pinch.

I've had good luck with the 3com 3c509 and 905 cards. The realtek (8139too) based cards also perform well enough and are very cheap.

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