Today I was asked "Is it true that you can't run Linux if you need 3G dongles to work". I said I thought that some will work and other possibly not, but since I have no first-hand experience I would try to get some more authoritative information. So,

What is the general position re 3G dongles?

Are there models known to work?

Any general comments?

I've been using a Huawei 3g modem for quite a while. I think Fedora 9 was the first distro I used it with. It just worked without any problems. Things have improved since then with better setup in NetworkManager.

However I have seen many people have problems. Most ISPs will deny that they work as they either don't understand Linux or just can't be bothered to find out and provide support.

I understand some need to be activated using the included software (which will probably only work on Windows) but will then work on other OS's.

I think your comment that some work and some don't is spot on.

I believe Vodafone at least supplies their VMC (Vodafone Mobile Connect) software as a linux version - although not on the official media you have to download it seperately.

In my experience though, if you just eject the CD the USB dongle provides then the interface becomes immediately accessible in Network Management. This is with a ZTE dongle. The settings were helpfully entered for me by Network Management after following the wizard.