Ubuntu's Internet connection now hates me.

[Prisoner]

OKAY! Thank lord to DarkNovaGamer for telling me about the Ubuntu 10.04 beta. It works almost perfectly on my system! So now I have a backup in case Windows fails. But, I still have a problem... as usual...

I can't connect to the internet via WiFi, and Wired is very unpractical unless I want to drill a hole in my wall from my room to my parents' office. I've tried dozens of different settings (most should have worked for my system), I've downloaded the drivers for my adapter (on 7) and installed them, rebooted, no go. I've tried more settings, no go. I looked around for Ndiswrapper, but could not find all the files I supposedly needed. I would love to use Ubuntu, but this is a decent buzzkill...

Any Ubuntu nuts know how to fix this? I've never used anything Linux for more than 5 minutes, so... I must ask people with more experience. Thanks in advance!

 

[TheSchaft]

I used Ubuntu 9.10 without any wireless problems, but I haven't tried 10.04.

I switched to Linux Mint version 8 and had no problems hooking up to a hidden, password protected Linksys router - just told it the SSID to look for and followed the steps to put in the password.

Since you like how Ubuntu looks and feels, but have this wireless problem, you might want to try Linux Mint. It looks even more like an XP/7 hybrid with a single taskbar, embedded search bar, etc. (It is based on Ubuntu 9.10.)

 

[Product FRED]

Linux Mint uses Gnome, same as Ubuntu, except the taskbar is all in one bar. It has a start-menu type system, but like I said, it is still Gnome, not KDE. Each release is at the same time with Ubuntu's releases. Linux Mint is really an improvement of Ubuntu, since it comes with proprietary drivers and such included (such as MP3, DVD, and Flash playback). As a previous Ubuntu user, I would highly recommend Linux Mint.

 

[Prisoner]

I may try that. Currently, my Ubuntu installation is going... downhill.

 

[Product FRED]

I may try that. Currently, my Ubuntu installation is going... downhill.

You will not regret it. Another cool thing is that you're not limited to the Software Catalog application built into the system. Linux Mint's is similar to Ubuntu's except it incorporates screenshots and reviews. There's even an online catalog on the official site that will directly install software onto your computer: Software Portal - Linux Mint

 

[TheSchaft]

I fully agree with PF.

Since Ubuntu 10.04 isn't making it for you, Linux Mint should blow you away. Get the "Main" version - the "International" one has some restrictions on what programs it can offer.

A nice touch is that Firefox is pre-loaded with links in the bar to their forums, software center, etc. Also, to get the open windows (programs) links in the taskbar, just right click on the taskbar, select the top option, "+ Add to Panel" and scroll down to "Windows List". Trash can can be put there the same way.

Linux Mint is a good, free, alternative operating system for folks who are used to/like a Windows look and feel.

 

[Prisoner]

I may try that on another computer I have sitting around. For this laptop, I'll stick to this installation. I've found the steps to do it, and as soon as I get an ethernet connection, I'll do it. But I will keep Mint in mind.

 

[smarteyeball]

Since Mint is essentially a 'Green ubuntu' and already uses the Ubuntu repository for a lot of packages, you could always download the same packages that Mint uses.

These are the networking packages I have installed in Mint: ( I don't use WI-FI , so the necessary package may or may not be installed - It should at least give you some idea on package comparison)

 

[Kari]

Prisoner, is your Ubuntu a physical or virtual machine?

 

[Prisoner]

Physical.

 

[Product FRED]

Just install Mint from scratch, even just to try it out.

 

[Prisoner]

Quoting myself:

I may try that on another computer I have sitting around.