How can I install a Linksys WMP54g v4 wireless adaapter on Ubuntu 8.04
 

After years of hesitating, I finally "went Linux". I bought a totally new computer (Asus p5gc-mx/1333 motherboard,Intel dual core CPU, 1 GB DDR2, 2 CD/DVD drives, 160 GB HD). I installed a downloaded copy of Ubuntu 8.04 with no significant difficulties. Following installation, I physically installed a Linksys WMP54G v4 wireless PCI adapter, hoping to be able to install it using the installation disk provided by Linksys.
HOWEVER, here I ran into a blank wall.
1. the computer doesn't recognize tha a new piece of hardware has been connected
2. I can't figure out how to get the computer to run any installation program that will solve the first problem and get the adapter to work. Obviously, not having an adapter to connect to my router, I can't connect to the internet to get any assistance directly to the new computer.

GENERAL COMMENTS: Inasmuch as this is my first posting, I obviously have to learn my way around LinuxQuestions. This question has probably been asked in the past but I couldn't find any search option that would have saved me, and you from reading something already solved.
Also, the op-Up window that gives the first few sentences of introduction to questions runs too quickly--I never manage to complete reading what is written before the window disappears--and my reading speed is at least average. A slowing down of the process would be appreciated.

There's a Search button up near the top of this page.
When you are composing a new post, you have the option to "Search for similar questions already posted" or similar.
There are links to "Similar Threads" listed at the bottom of this page.

The "Pop-up" lasts about six seconds, easily long enough for me to read fifteen words, but there's also a "LQ Suggestions & Feedback" forum: http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...nd-feedback-7/ where you can make your suggestions known.

Welcome to LQ!

Thank you Tredegar--both for your welcome and for your guidance.
Now I have to get down to searching....

It looks like that card uses the rt2500 chipset -- a fairly common chipset in consumer wireless cards. This driver should auto-detect your card out of the box and make it available for NetworkManager. You probably have an icon with two small computers in your system tray. If you click on this, does it make any reference to wireless networks?