The driver has nothing to do with the config files though. Anytime you are connecting to a different network, the config files need to be changed, either at the command line or by editing them.
You'll want 2 packages installed - iwconfig and wpasupplicant. Iwconfig is small and fast, and great for connecting to unsecured networks, or those protected with WEP. Wpasupplicant is for connecting to wpa encrypted networks. It can also be used on WEP, but I prefer iwconfig because it is what I am more familiar with.
Connecting to a new network literally can be accomplished in about 15 - 20 seconds as long as you know the passwords or have someone with you who does. I would do it like this, either as root or with the sudo command:
Code:
iwlist scan #(gives list of available networks)
(we'll call your friend's network friend_network for this example)
iwconfig (interface) essid friend_network key s:password
ifdown (interface)
ifup (interface)
That would do it. Obviously the interface can be different, for me my wireless card is eth1, but you also see alot of cards identified as wlan0 and other names. So if your friend was running an open network (aka bad idea), you could leave the key part out. If they have a WEP key, and it is say abCde, then with a wireless card of eth1, the commands would be exactly:
Code:
iwconfig eth1 essid friend_network key s:abCde
ifdown eth1
ifup eth1
Game over. For wpasupplicant you usually need to physically get the key via usb stick, then point wpasupplicant at that key.
In any case, I don't know what you were doing, but it sounds like you were screwing up the files with manual editing if it was taking you half an hour. Try things out by going to coffee shops and see how quickly you can get on their open networks. That should be super quick as they tend to be open.
Peace,
JimBass
