PCI WiFi Card compatability Zorin

Help and Support
1

Anyone know of Zorin Compatible PCI WiFi cards for desktops?
Only finding PCIe on the web… need PCI (no “e”)
As a noob, really trying to avoid the sudo-get-apt routine.
thanks

2

Greetings!

Firstly, let’s clear up some potential misunderstandings:

  1. PCI vs PCIe : PCI is an older standard, while PCIe (PCI Express) is its successor. It’s increasingly difficult to find modern hardware that supports the older PCI standard, especially in terms of Wi-Fi cards. However, there are still some available in the market, but they are becoming rarer.
  2. Zorin OS Compatibility : Zorin OS is based on Ubuntu, which, in turn, is derived from Debian. Hardware compatibility with Zorin is largely determined by the Linux kernel, which is shared among these distributions. So, if a device is Ubuntu-compatible, it’s typically also compatible with Zorin OS.
  3. Avoiding sudo apt-get : I understand the apprehension of using command-line interfaces, especially for newcomers. However, the sudo apt-get routine is essentially the way to install software and drivers in Ubuntu-based systems. While GUI alternatives exist, the command-line is a direct and often reliable method. Nonetheless, many modern Wi-Fi cards should work “out of the box” without the need for manual driver installation.

With those points in mind, here are some steps to help you find a PCI Wi-Fi card:

  1. Search for Older Hardware : Look for older models of Wi-Fi cards that still use the PCI interface. Brands like TP-Link, Netgear, or D-Link might have had PCI cards in their older lineups.
  2. Look for Chipset Information : When you find a PCI Wi-Fi card, check for the chipset it uses (e.g., Atheros, Broadcom, Realtek). The chipset determines driver compatibility more than the brand of the card itself. Some chipsets have better support in Linux than others.
  3. Check Linux Hardware Databases : There are online databases and forums where users share their experiences with specific hardware. The Ubuntu Hardware Compatibility List might be a good place to start.
  4. Consider Adapters : If you’re unable to find a PCI Wi-Fi card, you could consider a PCI to PCIe adapter, which would allow you to use a PCIe Wi-Fi card in a PCI slot. This is a more roundabout solution, but it can work if you’re in a pinch.
  5. USB Wi-Fi Dongles : If you’re open to alternatives, USB Wi-Fi dongles are plentiful, often inexpensive, and many models work well with Linux. They’re easy to install - just plug and play.

Lastly, if you decide to buy a card and it doesn’t work “out of the box”, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. The Linux community is generally very supportive and can guide you through potential fixes or workarounds.

Best of luck in your search!

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