During a recent trip, I realized - again - that Linux still has a lot of catch-up to play on user experience front. I traveled with a Ubuntu 6.10/XP dual-boot laptop and a lot of times, I had to fall back on XP to get things done.
Wireless connection at Frankfurt airport
Getting a paid wireless connection at Frankfurt airport is easy. Just join one of the available open wireless networks, it takes you to a website where you can pay for the connection and you are all set. I could do this in no time with XP.
Although I first tried this with Ubuntu. The troubles started with the fact that in order to setup a wireless connection I need to know the name of the network to join. I really prefer the windows way where the wireless network setup process starts with a list of available networks. Then at least you are not lost to begin with. I talked with a neighboring traveler who was using a Mac. He did not have trouble getting on to a network - because the Mac connected to an available open network since none of the preferred networks were found. That works too. In any case, I was stuck and ended up using XP to get connected.
Once connected, I tried to find some information on this situation. Turns out that there are packages available via the Package Manager that can help - notably, the wifi-radar and NetworkManager. After getting back from the trip, I tried both. I like NetworkManager and am using it right now. It has made connecting to networks so much easier. I wonder why such a useful package is not installed by default!
Using the modem
Another instance where I had to go back to XP. It’s simple in XP all you need to know is the phone number to dial, a username and a password. Start -> Connect To -> Connection Name - enter the information and you are online. Why can’t it be the case in Linux?
I read a little bit in order to understand what’s missing in my installation and how I could get the modem going. It involved stuff about pppd, using scanModem utility, editing a bunch of root-owned files - things if I told my mother, she’s vow not to use the computer again.
Things gotta be easier than this. I am still trying to find an easier way to get the modem working. If I find something, I’ll update this post.