I recently bought a small used computer so that I could install a Linux distro for virus-free websurfing (although my Mac essentially does the same thing). After doing some research, I decided to install Ubuntu, because I have a Belkin USB wireless wi-fi adapter that works with Ubuntu.
The Ubuntu install was successful, and when I plugged in the adapter, I could note that the computer recognizes it. However, at this point I'm stuck. How do I get the thing to work?
Please keep in mind that I know absolutely nothing about Linux, other than how to install it, obviously. So if anyone can help me, please form your answers in such a way that a five-year old could understand it
I have Verizon DSL with a modem/router gateway, if that's any help.
Thanks.
Posted by Cartman (Member # 256) on :
I assume we're talking about an F5D7050 (v4000 preferably) here? If so, there's a native Linux driver for the chipset it uses, otherwise you'll probably need to install a module called ndiswrapper.
[ February 19, 2007, 08:13 AM: Message edited by: Cartman ]
Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
I remember dabbling with Ubuntu about a year ago on my old iBook, and damned if I could get it to see and use the AirPort card.... I eventually just gave up; it wasn't worth the hassle. Hopefully they've made it a little easier these days...
Posted by Dukhat (Member # 341) on :
quote:I assume we're talking about an F5D7050 (v4000 preferably) here? If so, there's a native Linux driver for the chipset it uses, otherwise you'll probably need to install a module called ndiswrapper.
Yes, I'm using the F5D7050, although I don't know what you're referring to with "v4000."
Posted by Cartman (Member # 256) on :
There are several revisions of the F5D7050, "v4000" is just Belkin's name for the latest one (which is however the only version that will work with the driver I mentioned, the earlier models need a bit more love).
Posted by Dukhat (Member # 341) on :
Well, I bought it only a few months ago, so I'm assuming that it's the right one.
Posted by Dukhat (Member # 341) on :
I just checked the box, and it is actually v3000. Will this be a problem?
Posted by Cartman (Member # 256) on :
No, but getting the thing to work will be slightly more interesting. First though, you should check whether your machine has ndiswrapper installed already. Start a shell via System -> Terminal (navigate around the start menu if you can't find it), then type 'ndiswrapper' and press enter. If you're greeted with 'command not found', the answer is no, and you'll have to download some packages (which might be hard without an internet connection, so I hope you can arrange one) by entering the command "sudo apt-get install ndiswrapper*" in that same terminal. When you're done with that, the rest should not be difficult.
Posted by Dukhat (Member # 341) on :
First, just to let you know, I'm running Kubuntu, not Ubuntu, because I prefer the KDE desktop over GNOME. I do have the Ubuntu LiveCD, if I need to install that instead.
The interesting thing is that the LiveCD contained the ndiswrapper program, but when I installed Kubuntu on my hard drive, it wasn't there anymore. As for an internet connection, I have other computers in my house running both Windows & Mac OSX, so I can download whatever I need & put it on the Linux computer via flash drive. it's just a matter of where to put the files once I do that.
Posted by Cartman (Member # 256) on :
Well, in that case you can simply install ndiswrapper from the LiveCD by adding it as a repository. You should be asked about that when you insert the disc, but if not, you can use either Adept or Synaptic (graphical frontends for Ubuntu's package manager, reachable from the start menu) to add a CD repository yourself, and then all you have to do is search for the right package.
Posted by Dukhat (Member # 341) on :
Cool...unfortunately, I don't have a clue what you're talking about :-) Perhaps you could PM me some instructions on what to do.
Thanks for your help.
Posted by Dukhat (Member # 341) on :
Hey Cartman, I was able to get ahold of a v4000 of the Belkin USB adapter. Could you tell me what I have to do now?
Posted by Cartman (Member # 256) on :
![[Smile]](smile.gif)