Wireless Network Setup with Ubuntu 5.10
 

My question is very similar to How do I connect wirelessly to my router?, but the specifics are different. I apologize if the answer is the same.

My friend called me a few days ago to help him set up a wireless network connection for his computer. He has one computer, which is running Microsoft Windows XP: Service Pack 2 (but that doesn't matter), downstairs, which is directly connected to a Quest ACTIONTEC DSL modem with a built in wireless router. I configurated the wireless router so that it would work with a wireless connection, but my problem lies in the second computer with the wireless network adapter. The second computer (the one he wants the wireless internet connection on) has a fresh install of Ubuntu 5.10 on it, and there is nothing else on the hard drive.

I do not know the brand or model number of the wireless network adapter, but it looks a lot like a flash thumb drive and connects to a USB port. I am positive that is a wireless network adapter because it says so on the side.

I have the wireless network adapter plugged into the computer that needs the wireless internet connection set up on it; the one that is not directly connected to the Quest ACTIONTEC DSL modem. I also have the second computer in the same room, so I am positive the signal strength is fine.

I am completely in the dark as for what to do next. I have literally no experience in setting up wireless networks with Linux machines, and I'd greatly appreciate some help, as would my friend.

Thank you very much. Any help is greatly appreciated.

For the time being, essentially yes (Linux and wireless seems to be a good topic for a new LQ Howto). Forgive me if I copy&paste a bit...

If you're lucky, you just have to plug in the network settings (as you would in Windoze) and it works. But even if not, you've got a good chance to make it work.

Second best thing to try is Ubuntu-specific documentation.

If that doesn't turn up helpful info and you want to read up a bit about Linux and wireless networking, you can try the Wireless HOWTO.

If the last one was too technical or you have some specific problems / errors turning up, come back here. Preferably with some details about that adapter, which you can get by entering
in a terminal.

Good luck! :)

Thank you very much for your reply. :) Right now, the most frustrating thing is that I'm not able to access the computer in question right now. :/

Next time I'm at my friend's house, which is hopefully soon...maybe tomorrow, I'll come back here and use this as a reference. Thanks. :) I'll read as much as I can right now.