I have a Toshiba Satellite M35X-S161

It has an Atheros AR5004G Wireless Network Adapter.

The problem I have with this is I don't really understand anything about the WLAN setup and settings in any linux distro. They have so much information to input. I can't even get my computer to connect to an unprotected router with the default SSID. Can Anyone tell me how to set this up would make working on my linux work so much easier if i didn't have to continuously boot between DSL and windows all the time when i need to get the internet.

Atheros chipsets are a PITA with linux. I try to avoid them. Intel wireless chips seem to be much better.

Atheros usually needs ndiswrapper to enable linux to use the (closed source) windows drivers. Search for it: DSL atheros ndiswrapper

Meanwhile, can you connect with a regular wired ethernet connection?
You will need this to enable you to download and install ndiswrapper.

I feel for you as I am currently trying to install kubuntu 8.04 on my asus eee 701. The default install doesn't recognise either my wired ethernet, or wireless chipset (Wireless is Atheros, damn them), and I cannot install the modules that are needed as I have NO internet connection from it. It is going to be a major headache installing all the dependencies manually....

Persevere, I expect you'll find a work-around.

Madwifi is usally the software supporting artheros chipsets. Most distros have madwifi included by default and artheros cards often work immediately. You would want to look for the madwifi package for dsl if your particular chipset model is supported. In mini distros nothing beats Puppy Linux for wireless.

http://madwifi.org/wiki/Compatibility

Download and build compat-wireless, your atheros will work. I have just done this on my wife's brand new HP G60 which uses an atheros built-in wireless. It compiled and loaded with absolutely no difficulties.