ubuntu can't find wifi

qsontheqt · 09-19-2015, 04:49 PM

When I boot up my new ubuntu on my laptop it does not see any wifi networks. It will work on the ethernet connection. Also the wireless indicator light on the pc will not come on when switched on.
I see all kinds of programming fixes but I'm just learning to program an Arduino! And I'm not very good at that yet.
Is there an EASY fix for this?
Thanks,
MikeQ

ferrari · 09-19-2015, 05:47 PM

Welcome to LQ Mike Q!

More information about your wireless hardware would be helpful here. This guide may be useful to you.

This command will show PCI-connected devices in your computer. Amongst that should be useful wireless hardware information

Code:

sudo lspci -nnk

The 'rfkill' utility can be used to report the status of your wifi device

Code:

rfkill list

Post back with the requested information.

frankbell · 09-19-2015, 08:53 PM

Also check for a hardware key to toggle the wireless. Many laptops have such a switch.

On my Dells, it was one of the function keys (it had a little picture of an antenna on it); I had an Acer with a discreet wireless slider switch on the front panel.

qsontheqt · 09-21-2015, 09:03 AM

Thanks for the prompt reply. I will try these when I get a chance. Doesn't it seem that this should be an easy fix? Why doesn't Linux fix this?
MQuinn

HMW · 09-21-2015, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by qsontheqt

Why doesn't Linux fix this?

"Linux" is not a person. Linux is not even an operating system, Linux is a kernel that combined with (most often GNU, hence GNU/Linux) other tools can become a fully fledged operating system.

There are several reasons a WiFi card may or may not function initially with a GNU/Linux distribution such as Ubuntu. Start out with what ferrari and frankbell have suggested.

Best regards,
HMW

frankbell · 09-21-2015, 08:08 PM

This is not an issue of Linux not supporting bits of hardware. This is usually an issue of manufacturers not supporting Linux. It's seldom hostile; it's more often a matter of their not thinking of Linux.

What distro/version are you using? Knowing that would help a lot. For example, if it's Ubuntu, there's a way to look for proprietary drivers in the repos: https://askubuntu.com/questions/4750...tional-drivers