Linux and wifi help!?!?!!?!

Hey guys, I just installed Linux Ubuntu. I am a total newbie and I am in need of help. I'm trying to figure out how to get my wireless internet up and running. I using a Compal Hel 80 laptop. Again I am a total newbie, and I can use any help. Also whats the difference between gnome and ubuntu? Is it the same thing? Well thanks for the help in advance.

 

First of all, welcome to GNU/Linux!

Gnome is whats called a desktop environment, it is a single component of Ubuntu (and a lot of other distros) and it organises everything you see on screen in a friendly, organised way. Ubuntu itself is the collection of software packed around the Linux kernel (core).

As for the WiFi, do you have an Intel 3945 Wireless Card? If so, you are in luck. Follow the information here: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/WifiDocs/NetworkManager and it should get you set up.

 

ah i need help! when i try to do what you posted sylvain, i get an error that says 'network-manager-gnome; is not avaible in any software channel. Then it says the application might not support your system architecture. i have ubuntu running right now which should work right. i also checked my network card and it is the intel 3945. any help would be great thanks!!

 

I believe you first have to add the two repositories listed here. I'm sorry, I didn't realise that the wiki entry didn't link to this. https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Repositories/Ubuntu#head-5bbef89639d9a7d93fe38f6356dc17847d373096

 

Make sure you're actually connected to the internet via a wired connection or whatever while you're following the steps in the links Sylvain provided.

 

Ah yes, good advice, forgot that part!