Hello all.

Im a complete Linux Newbie. Got fed up with paying the big guys for poor service.

I have recently installed Freespire as my OS and cant get connected to the internet. the KNetworkManager tells me that No Network device is found. I think it is lack of a driver for the device, but this is obviously only a guess. The laptop is a Novateck W76K. I havent been able to determine what network device is installed. (I know the wireless device is switched on as the light is on).

Im also unfamiar with the network set-up in Network settings.

Can anyone help with some advice on where to start. This would be very much appreciated.

First of all, discover what network device you have. That can be done using
or better yet use also if you execute
what output did you get?

1 members found this post helpful.

Freespire is ancient and hasn't been developed/supported since 2007.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freespire

I suggest you download a newer distro like Ubuntu, Mint, etc.

Thanks ever so much for the help so far. I have found the network controller - Realtek - and the ethernet controller - JMicron Technology - no device numbers or anything. So I have gone to the webstes and downloaded the drivers for Linux. (not sure I've got the right ones but happy to give them a go.

How do i load up the drivers. Is there an easy way through Freespire - or do I have to load up from the linux root?

In general, you need to build (if it isn't built already) a kernel module for your network device and load it up so your network device can show up.

This is done using the 'modprobe' command. It is best to post the output of 'lspci -k'.

Hello rosehosting
I have taken the advice of another user and loaded Linux mint. Much better. I have some queries re wireless networking but will close this thread and open a new one.

Thanks very much for the help. Have learnt quite a it already.

David