[Wellswood]

I am new to Linux and this forum. This is my first post.

I have a wireless LAN that I use to access the Internet with my PCs, all running Windows XP or Windows Vista. My desktop PC has a Safecom SWLUT - 54125 USB 802.11g wireless adaptor. My Acer Aspire 5610Z laptop has Atheros AR 5005G wireless adaptor.

I booted into Knoppix on my Desktop PC hoping to be able to get on the Internet. The wireless LAN was not detected. I then tried with the laptop. This time the LAN was detected (I entered my WEP key) but I could not download webpages in either Mozilla or Konquerer.

I experiement for a couple of hours without success. However when I tried the next day with my laptop the wireless LAN was not detected. I rebooted and tried a number of times. I am puzzled by this as the operating system is on a non writeable disk and I did not save any settings to any other disk.

I am really looking forward to getting to know Linux and very much hope someone can give me an answer to my problem.

[coopstah13]

The newest knoppix livecd is 5.1 maybe you mistyped that, but I thought I would clarify if not. I would recommend another livecd like Ubuntu instead since that is a much more recent release you will likely have much better luck getting your wireless to work.

[devils casper]

Try Ubuntu Gutsy Gibbon 7.10. It has much better Hardware support and latest packages.

Check distrowatch.com and try LiveCD of any distro listed in Top 10 Distros.

[Wellswood]

That was a quick reply?

My live Knoppix is version 5.01.

Two days ago I acquired Suse Linux 10.1 live DVD. I tried it on my desktop PC and got the network icon with a red cross on it. This happens with Windows when the WEP is lacking but I could not find where to enter the WEP key.

I then tried the DVD in my laptop. It would not even boot. Just white letters on black background before grinding to a halt. It is so frustrating!

I hope this extra information can help you to help me and many thanks for responding so quickly.

[Wellswood]

Thanks for the suggestion. I tried Knoppix then Suse so it may be third time lucky!

[coopstah13]

both things you have tried are more than a year old, since you have wireless I can assume you have broadband and dont' have to worry much about downloading. I would HIGHLY recommend that you download a newer version of opensuse if thats what you want, but whatever you choose make sure you get the latest version of what you are downloading.

[devils casper]

Originally Posted by Wellswood

I then tried the DVD in my laptop. It would not even boot. Just white letters on black background before grinding to a halt.

Which Graphics Card do you have?

[Wellswood]

I'll check on the graphics card on my laptop when I get it out later and let you know.

Thanks

[Wellswood]

Originally Posted by devils_casper

Which Graphics Card do you have?

The graphics info is mobile Intel 945 GM Express Chipset Family.

[devils casper]

Intel Graphics Card is well supported by all Linux distros. Ubuntu LiveCD will work fine on your lappy.