h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I just installed Ubuntu on my old computer and it seems awesome so far - except that I can't connect to the Internet. All our family computers, PC and Mac alike, connect to a DSL connection via a wireless router. My computer that is now running Linux formerly connected through Windows with a Linksys wireless card to the Linksys wireless router, but I'm having problems with the Ubuntu and I'm not quite sure what's wrong. I've entered the ESSID correctly and I've selected DHCP for the configuration. I don't really get the WEP key deal though. Our various Macs don't mention anything about WEP encryption and I copied down a plausible-looking hexadecimal number from our lone Internet-capable PC, to no real effect. I think the WEP thing is what I need to figure out to connect but I'm not sure how to find the right number to enter in the box.

I know it's a terribly specific question, but is there anyone who can explain this to a relatively computer-ignorant person like me?

What?

Sorry, I have no idea what you're talking about.

Sorry, no idea.

Traveller in Time still with only a single wireless card
"The Ubunto should connect by itself to the router. A connection via a MSWindows system is not a good option.
However, if the MSWindows system is the only nearby wireless station your Ubunto should connect to the MSWindows system, not to the router. Assuming this is a wired connection no WEP encryption is available, probably another IP address for the gateway and another range for the DHCP is, assuming the MSWindows system has a DHCP server and acts as router.

WEP, the server provides with the needed codes, as that is the provider for the connection. "

I'm not sure if I understand you, TiT, but if I do, I think you're saying that it's all right to leave the "WEP key" field blank. I wasn't trying to connect through a Windows system, though, just using one as a reference point to copy the settings from.

Is it possible that my wireless card just isn't compatible with Linux? I thought it was generally possible to work around such issues of compatibility though.

Traveller in Time on top
"Not quite what I tryed to say.

The WEP key should be provided by the wireless router. Connect to the router with another system, go to the wireless configuration menu with a browser or telnet connection.
There is a line in the configuration menu for the router to allow MAC addresses to connect to it. Selecting WEP encryption for that card should also show you the key. "

Okay, I did that. Still not working.

Have you tried How Do I? or Ask?

Does anyone post to How Do I? anymore? I rather thought it had gone dead. I'll try Ask though.

You'll probably bump into Croz and Dolt while you're there, and maybe HappyDude too - me and HD had a discussion about Ubuntu a week or two back but I'm buggered if I can remember which thread it was in. We did however carry on the conversation on his personal space F52249?thread=3581009

I use Ubuntu. I tell ya...the first few months were onehelluva learning curve!

The most important thing I learned is The Forum Is Your Friend. Post a question @ http://www.ubuntuforums.org and generally someone will get back to you PDQ. It's pretty noob-friendly...but don't be afraid to say "I don't understand that" if you get an answer in geek-speak.

Also...the Starter Guide is a must read: http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu_Edgy (that one's for the latest version...but you can get the Dapper version via http://www.ubuntu.com). I advise keeping a copy on dead trees (especially given your problem. )

Thern there's all the community help pages: https://help.ubuntu.com/

I don't have an answer to you're particular problem - I'm no expert - I just know what I know - but *someone* will. The communtity support is Ubuntu's major pluss point.

Good luck!

They're very helpful in Linux forums.

I followed your link to the forum, Edward, and was able to at least start fixing my problem - plus I posted asking for further advice. It turns out I have like the most troublesome wireless card ever made.

On the other hand, I did manage to type something at the command prompt without crashing the computer.

Ah yes! I understand that wireless cards are a 'known issue' with Linux in general. Still...could be worse...you could have the only brand of printer which doesn't offer Linux support.

Terminal...yes, you *will* end up using it a lot. In theory, you can do everything via GUI...in theory. I'm writing a handy Noob-guide which covers all the stuff that nobody bothers to tell you. It's meating some community resistance. Apparently its satisfactory to have to trawl through comprehensive manual pages. https://help.ubuntu.com/community/HowToUseTheTerminal Comments welcome on which you'd find most helpful - that, or their https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BasicCommands

Also... here's my guide on how to make mp3s of all that radio comedy you like: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/HowToRecordInternetRadio

Actually, I'm subscribed to Ho Do I? and I can't remember the last time someone posted there.