I downloaded a ndiswrapper so I could run my wireless card for linux. After I downloaded it I got to reading more and it said it won't work for vista. Does anyone know if there is a wrapper out there that will work and if so is there anything else I need to complete the process. Thank you, Brian

Wait... it said what won't work for vista - your card or the ndiswrapper?

Maybe I'm not understanding the question, but you should be able to find drivers for your wireless card that are made for vista. The ndis wrappers for linux are usually there because a specific driver for Linux doesn't exist.

Run the "sudo /sbin/lsmod -v" program to determine the controller the device uses. Then in the ndiswrapper README file locate your chip and download the driver that they recommend. Use that driver. There is also an ndiswrapper wiki on the net that you can use as a reference.

The notice about Vista must mean not to use a vista driver. Simply locate the xp driver instead.

OK, I'll admit to using Vista Business. First, determine whether you are using 64 bit or 32 bit Vista. 32 bit can be installed on a 64 bit system (usually these are AMD), but not the other way around. In many cases retail outlets have the nasty habit of installing 32 bit Vista on 64 bit capable machines. There is no excuse for this because M$ prices 32 bit and 64 bit exactly the same for a given flavor of Vista. I would recommend Vista Business or Ultimate due to security and the ability of the system that M$ lets you use.

After all, its only money...

If possible, wipe out a 32 bit version of Vista on a 64 bit machine and install a fresh 64 bit flavor on a 64 bit machine. Performance and stability will increase tremendously. You can buy a 64 bit OEM version or the full install to do this. Using the upgrade to go from 32 bit to 64 bit can create headaches. I would nuke the original version before putting any data on it.

Then find either an XP-64 or 2000 professional or a generic 32 bit XP driver. The XP-64 driver will work on 64 bit Vista, others for 32 bit. Avoid using WOW unless you have no other choice. For 32 bit Vista earlier drivers from NT and even 98 may work. Be aware that Vista has many more "built in" drivers for hardware then XP does. It may be faster and more practical to replace the hardware itself with newer Vista compatible hardware. For example, an Ethernet card can usually be found for under $40.

Copy the driver CD or Setup.exe file to the Vista desktop. Usually the manufacturer will have the driver for their product unless it is very old. Right click on the Setup.exe file and select compatiblity. Match this to the original version of Windows that the driver was written for. Then run the program. The performance of such drivers may be slightly slower then a purpose bit Vista driver, however you will not even be able to detect this for normal usage.

Also, add as much RAM to your system as humanly possible to the limit of your computer's limit or your wallet will permit. Be sure to pay attention to memory speed, not just amount. Vista is a total memory hog. Give the devil his due. Once you do all of this (Vista, antivirus security suite, diskeeper pro, occassional new hardware, graphics card), expect to spend $500 give or take.

Having said all that, there are far worse M$ O/Ss then Vista. Of course, this is the whole reason that people switch to Linux in the first place.

I might be the one confused...? I have linux on disc...My OS is vista, but when I run my linux I cant pick up any wireless signals. Isn't a ndiswrapper supposed to tie the two systems in together? So you can use the wifi card on the other OS?

Ndiswrapper has nothing to do with Windows and Linux being tied together. Ndiswrapper is a tool that enables you to use Windows wireless card drivers on Linux. It does not access the drivers from within Windows, you have to install them from the manufacturers CD, from downloads or other removable media.

One of the best things you can do is to try something old. For a laptop, an 802.11b PCMCIA card for wireless stands a very good chance of working, especially one from a common brandname. The performance is usually acceptable, but slightly slower.

For a desktop, see if Linux sees your Ethernet card. If it does, take the path of least resistance and get a Wireless Ethernet Bridge such as Linksys WET54G or whatever their gaming bridge is called now. These are driverless so Operating Systems are not an issue.