Hi all..I'm an experienced PC and windows user, but am taking the move to linux. I'm running Ubuntu 6x 386 version. I have the First Time User HOWTO from madwifi, but am having no luck.

The problems I am having are this:

one command says ./find-madwifi-modules.sh $(uname -r)
What is the (uname -r) for? Is there something that is supposed to be inserted here or is it type without () and entered exactly that?

Next, I can't use the Make command. I get a set kernal error, and the only thing I could find on google didn't solve the problem.

Is there a REAL step by step on how to get a network card to work on a laptop? In device manager it's not recognized.

I would go with Feisty Fawn, but it won't install at all, due to a graphical problem with the X Server...
Thanks in advance

Hi,
What you need to do is NOT install madwifi. Instead, install linux-restricted-modules-generic. To do this open terminal then do sudo aptitude install linux-restricted-modules-generic . This installs the madwifi driver. You then reboot and your wireless driver should work. By the way, to install feisty fawn, either upgrade or use the alternative cd.

Thanks for the prompt reply. I tried this, and it says it can't locate the package from the name or description, or something to that effect. I tried synaptics, and can't find it in there either. I have my ubuntu CD loaded as well.

On the feisty fawn deal, I have tried to upgrade from within version 6, but I'm not sure which files to select in the repository, and even if I select the main kernel, it needs to download other things I think because the version numbers just don't add up. And, it can't download anything update wise, because I don't have my network card running, so I'm in a bit of a pinch if I want to upgrade to feisty fawn!

Check to make sure that the restricted repositories are enabled. Do this by going to system --> administration --> software sources. Then enable, if they aren't already enable, propriety drivers for devices. Then try again with sudo aptitude install linux-restricted-modules-generic and if that doesn't work try linux-restricted-modules-$(uname -r) be sure to copy that exactly. The uname -r will be replaced by your kernel version automatically.


To upgrade, just do follow directions at the following website
http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/upgrading

Good Luck