Hi,

I wont say that i am a newbie, I can install debian, use the apt tool, set up a user environment, setup KDE/GNOME etc and have been a linux user for some years now but then there are some things and concepts that i just dont seem to get and feel like tearing at my hair :-) ....seriously ....

For instance one of my weakest link is when it comes to running hardware devices (internal and external). For instance i just installed a Debian Lennie (kernel version 2.6.24) on both my laptop but I jus can't seem to make the internla WLAN interface to work or the external USB WLAN interface to come to life......

I know that there are things like lspci, adn lsusb to first check whether the device has been recognised or not.... and i can see my devices there....

for instance when i type "lspci" i can see the internal WLAN interface as follows:

06:05.0 Network Controller: Intel Corporation PRO/Wireless 2200BG [Calexico2] Network Connection (rev 05)

And when i type "lsusb" I can see my USB WLAN Adapter as follows:

Bus 005 Device 007: ID 148f:2573 Ralink Technology, Corp. RT2501USB Wireless Adpater.

When i do a "lsmod" i can see ipw2200 and Ieee80211 and all sorts of familiar things but I HAVE NOT FIGURED OUT HOW TO BREATH LIFE IN THESE devices. I have even configured the /etc/network/interfaces file with teh ESSID and WEP Key etc and did the /etc/init.d/networkign restart thing but I just can not see them when i do the ifconfig or iwconfig.

CAN SOME ONE PLEASE DEMYSTIFY THE PROCESS OF ENABLING INTERNAL/EXTERNAL HARDWARE DEVICES IN LINUC..... WHAT ARE THE 1.2.3 steps that one must take.....whats the concept so that i can become self-sufficient and dont damage whatever hair is left on me now :-))

I know Googling is one option but one tends to get lost in google so much that in teh end i dont get teh concept.....

I would appreciate any one explaining and helping me out liek one would to a six year old :-)

Waiting for helping hand(s)

Regards

Zack

Debian can be a little bit challenging when working with device drivers. The Debian Project is pretty hard core about not using restricted drivers. Ubuntu is more relaxed in that respect. Try running an Ubuntu 8.04 live CD. You may have better luck with your wireless NIC. Of course if the live CD works then install it.