How to get a Linux machine (Ubuntu Edgy) to hook up to the internet?

Question

I have a Linksys WRT54GS router and two Windows PCs hooked up to that. On a third machine, I removed Windows and installed Ubuntu 6 instead (Edgy). I must say that I do like Linux! Is there any way I can get my new Linux box to hookup to my existing home network?

If not, is there a way I can put all three of the machines on a single home network (ideally wireless because of where they're located in the house; different floors and such).

I'm open to various options (hub, switch, whatever).

Thanx!

Answer 1

Your wireless router should allow Linux computer link up with a wired Ethernet cable automatically without doing anything. Though you can make sure it's set to DHCP under System, Administration, Networking.
If you use wireless should get wireless cards that have Linux support. Most wireless chipset companys have not been nice to Linux. So pick one out that has support from this list. https://help.ubuntu.com/community/WifiDocs/WirelessCardsSupported
Ones a couple years old have better luck than brand new one, so it would be easier to shop for one at Ebay than Bestbuy.
If you already have your wireless cards or adapters and they are not supported all hope is not lost. You can use the Ndiswrapper which lets you use a Windows wireless driver in Linux. http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu_Edgy#How_to_install_Windows_Wireless_Drivers_.28Ndiswrapper.29

Answer 2

Unfortunately, Linux does not natively support wireless adapters. With some work, you can get them to work, with ndiswrapper or fwcutter. you can find out more about how to do this at www.ubuntuforums.org.

From the get-go, Linux OS's support wired networks and connections just fine, if being hooked to the wall is not a problem for you, this is the easiest fix.

I was a big fan of Ubuntu as well, along with openSUSE. but the wireless issues deemed too big of a task for me to tackle, so good luck!

Answer 3

Plug your Linux machine into Linksys (with a land line). Go wireless with the Windows machine(s). Go to your network configuration on your Linux and give yourself a static IP address and make sure you type in the IP address for the Linksys as your gateway, 255.255.255.0 for your subnet mask. Get your primary and secondary dns servers from your linksys and put them into your network configuration on your Linux machine and you should be fine. Pull up your browser and see if it can get on the net. If you do not have a graphical network configuration interface.

http://www.linuxheadquarters.com/howto/networking/networkconfig.shtml

will show you how to do it from your terminal shell.

Hope that helps

RJ