The issue is will Mandrake just look for CD#1, or ask for another also? In this case, it get's more difficult, especially on hard drive space.
 
There is a way to allow Mandrake to use data on the hard drive, I will look this up. It may be a little tricky to set up, as Mamdrake also looks for the verification files on the cd (to verify the rpm files on the cd).
 
In terms of the atmel drivers, the instructions are daunting, if you are a new linux user. See the link on how to do it at the atmel forums.
 
If your up to it, I salute you!

danleff,
 
Thanks so much for your reply. Glad to hear that the atmel install doesn't just look daunting to me. Sure I'm a newbie at Linux, but I'm pretty savvy with computers in general. Give me something to read and I'll figure it out. But after looking at the atmel, I had an alergic reaction and started trying to figure out another way (i.e. point mandrake to the hd for the driver package.)
 
Since I have another laptop with a built in cd-rom, I threw mandrake on that one with the 3com card installed in it's pcmcia slot, so that it setup the card as best it was automagically capable of. While I can see the card's MAC address in KDE computer setup, it seems thusfar not to have really got the card functioning. No data, it won't pick up an IP or accept one that I type in after selecting static.
 
So while I'm curious how to point mandrake to the HD, I fear that the packaged drivers won't get that WiFi card up and running regardless, and the atmel route might be the only way to go.. So don't bust your hump too much looking how to repoint mandrake for the install packages.
 
Another friend mentioned this as a possibility http://www.linuxant.com/driverloader/
 
Are not many people using linux on laptops and doing wifi? I gotta think there's a pretty simple way to do this, and I'm perhaps missing it despite all my usenet/webforum/google searching. Do I just have a difficult card to do this with? I thought 3com would be money in the bank in terms of linux support.
 
-Ethan

Yep, I use the Linuxant package in my laptop with a D-Link wireless PCMCIA. Worth the $30 USD I spent on the package, compared with the frustration and time spent on other free drivers. The Linuxant package works fine onmy system, usingthe standard windows drivers that came with the card.
 
Some hardcore Linux users have an aversion to using drivers that you pay for. However, each wifi card manufacturer generally produces a number of cards with different chipsets. So, even if you buy a specific brand, the card itself (and the chipset that it uses) is at issue.
 
Many Linux users are struggling with wifi, due to the varying chipsets in their cards. If you can determine the chipset, then finding the driver to fit is next.
 
Thing is, I looked at Mandrake's hardware compatibility index and your card is not listed as supported. So, third party drivers may be the way to go. Since most wifi companies do not directly support Linux, we need to rely on anyone who can design appropriate drivers.
 
The other problem is how you have wifi set up on the system...adhoc, access point et al. WEP, or what encription that you are using is the other stumbling block.
 
I use RoadRunner, so my connection is not static, it is dynamic. Ask me how I got my lappy up and running...I could not tell you setep by step. I did a lot of googling before it worked.
 
I am a relative newbie at this, but keep looking and report back your results.
 
Take a look at a detailed description of chipset issues here

from what you said about mandrake not supporting my card, I still have the atmel driver hell or linuxant purchase as options right? I can try the linuxant option for 30 days to see if it works I suppose.
 
-Ethan