https://bugzilla.novell.com/show_bug.cgi?id=442515

Summary: impossible to make first 2G/3G connection without other communication channel Product: openSUSE 11.1 Version: Beta4 Platform: PC OS/Version: SuSE Other Status: NEW Severity: Major Priority: P5 - None Component: Usability AssignedTo: bnc-team-screening@forge.provo.novell.com ReportedBy: martin.konopka@stuba.sk QAContact: qa@suse.de Found By: Community User

This issue affects people who install openSUSE from DVD or CD media (possibly also when using live CDs) and want to connect to the internet using a GPRS/UMTS data card, in my case Option GlobleTrotter Express 7.2 . They can not start the networking because the media does not contain all necessary packages for it. Namely the program usb_modeswitch is missing there. It switches a plugged-in data card from usb storage regime to GPRS/UMTS modem regime. Yes, even if it is a card for the express slot. Only after the switch umtsmon can be useful.

The usb_modeswitch package is available but only in a network repository. Of course it can not be downloaded without having network connection first... hence such a user will not have network connection (assuming that he/she does not have windows installed or other alternative network available what is frequently a case at home). Typically he or she will have to wait and travel somewhere next day or so to download the package to other machine etc.

Therefore I suggest - please include usb_modeswitch (and of course keep umtsmon there) to installation media, both DVD and also the live CD media so that people can enjoy mobile networking readily after instalation or booting. Otherwise they can be strongly disappointed or even distracted from using linux.

Thank you very much for your work a sorry for this long report. Martin Konopka.