SOLVED - Manually installing package(s) for wired NIC ( Atheros 8161 )

[Linath]

So I finally build myself a new machine ( yay ).   This machine is to be dual boot with Windows 7 on the SSD and a Linux ( 64 bit ) distro on the more conventional hard drive.  Considering the amount of time spent on research, budgeting time and cash as well as the careful assembly you might think that I had all the bases covered.  *Sigh*

Whereas Windows 7 worked fine after installation,  any form of Linux ( Chakra, Sabyon, OpenSuse )that I installed on the HD could not see the wired ethernet connection.  Further research proved the culprit was a "problem child" known as the Atheros 8161.  So I needed to find a method to manually install the needed packages since of the linux distro's tried, none could connect to the net.   The motherboard does not have wireless capability.

After much, much searching on the web, I finally came across ( in an another distro forum ) how to manually install the needed packages to allow the wired NIC ( Atheros 8161 ) on the Asus P8H77-V motherboard to work.   However, the instructions are specific to another distro in regards to the download location for said packages.  

So the way I look at it is I have 3 options.

1) Hopefully PCLinuxOS ( which I have on an older machine and it works AMAZINGLY WELL ) has a download location for manual package installation.  

2) If # 1 is out, does anyone know, or know where to look to see if the next Linux kernel will have the alx drivers?

3) If #1 and #2 are out then buy an additional nic that IS supported.   This is the easiest solution admittedly, I just would like to continue using the built in wired ethernet controller.

Any thoughts on this are appreciated!

Thanks to all.

[Just17]

I would put in a NIC card to save frustration ......  and in my own time I would look to getting the on board NIC functioning; without pressure or absolute need.

[Linath]

Just17,

Thank you for the quick reply.    I am beginning to think that might be the best and easiest solution.....not to mention the least stressful.

Any recommendations on a NIC?   I am thinking Linksys, maybe DLink and just a PCI card.   Right now I have a woefully slow DSL connection through Verizon....no Fios for  me.     

Oh, sorry to be a pain, but where are the the 64 bit PCLinuxOS download links?   I know 64 bit is in testing currently, that does not bother me.

Thanks!

[Just17]

I couldn't recommend any particular NIC card ......  I have always used old NIC cards from discarded PC ....  I grab NICs, memory and such before they are dumped (or sometimes even afterwards )

I have never come across a NIC which did not work in Linux ......  one of the benefits of using previous generation hardware I guess. 

The 64 bit ISO is on all the mirrors ....  be aware that the repository for the 64 bit is not fully populated so a number of your preferred apps might not be available.

If it is for use of large memory there are PAE kernels for the 32 bit which can use up to 64GB of memory.

[Linath]

Appreciate the information!   Also I apologize for placing this thread in the wrong section, I thought it said Network Hardware....oops.   Thanks again and I will see if the new Nic card will work, probably an Intel or DLink or Linksys card.