Linux wifi support out-of-the-box - Overclock.net

thenailedone · 08-11-09

...Did a quick search and couldn't find an answer on the site... also busy trying to get an answer from the ubuntu forums...

K, I'm busy d/l ubuntu 9.04 as I type to install on my laptop (been toying with linux on and off for years always reverting back to windows for games... my laptop however I use for work rather than play

)

My question is the following. Will my laptops wifi work from the word go after I have installed Ubuntu? I have a wifi connection to the net currently and use gmail/yahoo for voice and video chat to the family back home and can't afford to struggle my but of to get the net working on my lappy...

There are several other things I need it to do in time (play DVD's etc.) but I have time to get that up and running and if my net connection is sound it shouldn't be to big an issue (I hope)...

If Ubuntu is not the answer, which distro would be recommended?

Thanks
Neil

**stanrc** · 08-11-09

Most likely yes, but just to be sure what is the model of your wireless card?

thenailedone · 08-11-09

Realtek RTL8187B Wireless 802.11bg 54Mbps USB 2.0 Network Adapter (from device manager, Windows 7)

trueg50 · 08-11-09

It might.

Linux can be really picky with wireless.

You have access to an ethernet internet connection right?

I would grab ndiswrapper, and I think that usually covers most adaptors, and looks like it should work (another guy here got it working with 7.1).

It might take a bit of some configuring depending on the security type, but it should be doable.

Territorial · 08-11-09

im fairly certain all realtek wifi cards work 'out of the box' on most distributions

31337 · 08-11-09

Well, I'm running Sabayon on my lappy now, and initially yes the wifi worked. Then it didn't turn on. Then it did, and worked. Now it turns on does a soft lockup whenever I try to connect to a wireless connection. I've tried updating\reinstalling the drivers via the package manager and it doesn't change a thing. I have a Dell Inspiron 1525 BTW.

thenailedone · 08-11-09

Quote:

Originally Posted by trueg50

You have access to an ethernet internet connection right?

... very slow, very expensive and only to be used in case of dire emergencies... so yes... I do, kind of...

Mixed results like most questions on the internet... sucks

**gonX** · 08-11-09

I have had absolutely no problems with Linux wireless driver support, especially now that NDISwrapper is working fine. I suggest you use the native drivers before resorting to NDISwrapper, for obvious reasons. You have to keep in mind that Linux is not Windows.

Ubuntu should (as far as I know) automatically detect your network card and set it up so it's prepared for connections. You can then set up your connection with the NetworkManager program.

chemicalfan · 08-11-09

Ubuntu 9.04 worked out of the box for me on my Acer Aspire One.

It's more down to kernel version than distro - if it doesn't work, look for a distro with a higher kernel version (or download the driver source and compile it yourself, but you'll need your ethernet connection for that)

thenailedone · 08-11-09

K... d/l linux mint too... decided to try mint first and bam... obviously works (or else you wouldn't be reading this)...

I am amazed how many of the compiz eye candy works... so far everything I have tried... and I'm using Intel on-board graphics... and only one gripe so far, my touch pad frequently not picking up my taps and forced to use the buttons... will try and sort that out asap...

Thanks

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Linux wifi support out-of-the-box

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