Using Smart Bro on Ubuntu Linux 10.04 LTS
Hello guys!
I just obtained an ISO image of the new LTS (Long-Term Support) release of Ubuntu Linux operating system. Ubuntu 10.04 LTS (Lucid Lynx) is the latest stable release of this distribution at this time of writing. The next release of Ubuntu is Ubuntu 10.10 (Maverick Meerkat) and will be released on October 10, 2010 (talk about the triple-10 hype, huh?) Through PowerISO, I accessed the contents of this CD image.
For now, I installed Ubuntu inside Windows using Wubi. With only a few exceptions, Ubuntu in Windows ran just fine and smooth on my PC. (Considering it's a 2.6 GHz Pentium 4 PC with only 512 Mb of memory)
I discovered that this version of Ubuntu Linux can now support mobile broadband devices such as USB modems such as the ones available here in the Philippines, namely Smart Bro, Globe Tattoo, and Sun Broadband Wireless.
I have a Smart Bro Prepaid USB dongle, a black & orange-colored ZTE MF627. I tried to connect this to my previous version of Ubuntu (8.04 LTS Hardy Heron) but to no avail, it just won't budge (the wvdial command just won't work even with the required commands inserted). Now when I connected it on this newer version, the USB dongle performed just like what I expected in Windows. I mean, no more software dependencies to install just to switch the dongle to modem mode.
What I wanted to do now is to configure it so that it can connect to the Internet. Ubuntu has the necessary commands for it to run properly.
Here are the steps on how to connect your Smart Bro to the Internet *(Make sure that your Smart Bro Prepaid account has enough load for it to connect to the Internet.) :
1. Connect your Smart Bro Prepaid plug-it to a USB port. Wait until the light indicates it's ready (usually green or blue on this particular model).
2. Go to System -> Preferences -> Network Connections.
3. Select the Mobile Broadband tab.
4. Click the Add button.
4. You'll be welcomed to this New Mobile Broadband Connection wizard. Click Forward.
5. Select the country where your provider is at. In this case, choose Philippines.
6. You'll be given choices of network providers. In this case we have Digitel (Sun), Globe, and Smart. We choose Smart.
7. You'll be then choosing the billing plan. By default it uses the APN (Access Point Name) "internet". Since we are using Smart Bro, we choose from the "Select your billing plan" drop-down box the "My plan is not listed" option. Then, we type in the APN "SMARTBRO" (note the capitalization).
8. You'll be asked to confirm the settings. Click Apply.
9. Wait for the connection to start.
10. When the connection is finished you will see a broadband signal icon on your system tray indicating a connection.
Now enjoy Smart Bro with your Ubuntu 10.04!
Have fun!
KENNETH
I just obtained an ISO image of the new LTS (Long-Term Support) release of Ubuntu Linux operating system. Ubuntu 10.04 LTS (Lucid Lynx) is the latest stable release of this distribution at this time of writing. The next release of Ubuntu is Ubuntu 10.10 (Maverick Meerkat) and will be released on October 10, 2010 (talk about the triple-10 hype, huh?) Through PowerISO, I accessed the contents of this CD image.
For now, I installed Ubuntu inside Windows using Wubi. With only a few exceptions, Ubuntu in Windows ran just fine and smooth on my PC. (Considering it's a 2.6 GHz Pentium 4 PC with only 512 Mb of memory)
I discovered that this version of Ubuntu Linux can now support mobile broadband devices such as USB modems such as the ones available here in the Philippines, namely Smart Bro, Globe Tattoo, and Sun Broadband Wireless.
I have a Smart Bro Prepaid USB dongle, a black & orange-colored ZTE MF627. I tried to connect this to my previous version of Ubuntu (8.04 LTS Hardy Heron) but to no avail, it just won't budge (the wvdial command just won't work even with the required commands inserted). Now when I connected it on this newer version, the USB dongle performed just like what I expected in Windows. I mean, no more software dependencies to install just to switch the dongle to modem mode.
What I wanted to do now is to configure it so that it can connect to the Internet. Ubuntu has the necessary commands for it to run properly.
Here are the steps on how to connect your Smart Bro to the Internet *(Make sure that your Smart Bro Prepaid account has enough load for it to connect to the Internet.) :
1. Connect your Smart Bro Prepaid plug-it to a USB port. Wait until the light indicates it's ready (usually green or blue on this particular model).
2. Go to System -> Preferences -> Network Connections.
3. Select the Mobile Broadband tab.
4. Click the Add button.
5. Select the country where your provider is at. In this case, choose Philippines.
7. You'll be then choosing the billing plan. By default it uses the APN (Access Point Name) "internet". Since we are using Smart Bro, we choose from the "Select your billing plan" drop-down box the "My plan is not listed" option. Then, we type in the APN "SMARTBRO" (note the capitalization).
8. You'll be asked to confirm the settings. Click Apply.
9. Wait for the connection to start.
10. When the connection is finished you will see a broadband signal icon on your system tray indicating a connection.
Now enjoy Smart Bro with your Ubuntu 10.04!
Have fun!
KENNETH
