Ubuntu/Windows XP/Verizon DSL connection problems

[hbronze]

Hi, my name is Vicki and I'm new to this forum. I'm also new to Linux and Ubuntu which was just installed on my computer by a relative of mine. He's a computer wiz but I'm not. Is there a book called Linux for Dummys that I can get? Just kidding! I need help!

I have a dual operating system of Windows XP and the other new hard drive has Linux/Ubuntu on it. I have no problem accessing the Internet from Windows XP and actually did get onto the Internet this morning using Ubuntu. Now when I try to get onto the Internet I notice that the icon for my Internet connection shows that I'm not connected to the Internet. When I click on my Firefox browser icon, it comes up with an error message that it is already on and that I have to close it out before it will work, but it doesn't.

I also have been experiencing problems with our phone line and thought that this might be the problem. But if that's the case, why would Windows XP work and not Ubuntu?

If anyone has any suggestions, I would really appreciate the help. Please answer in simple language since I am not a tech wizard of any kind.

Thanks so much!

[yancek]

I notice that the icon for my Internet connection shows that I'm not connected to the Internet.

What happens when you click on that icon? What information do you get?
What did you do in Ubuntu to setup the connection? You should be able to find the network manager or network connections in drop down menus under System, or one of the other tabs on the upper left of the screen. Open these and see what info you have. If you don' t understand the info under network manager, post back.

Also might try Ubuntu forums as they are specific to Ubuntu operating system.

[KT1]

I too am new to Ubuntu and am having a heck of a time with it and my VZ Wireless MIFI2200 Aircard. Ubuntu asks if I want to AutoRun the VZ Manager Software when I plug the card in with a USB but then it doesn't do anything. It recognizes that the Startup and Manager is there but won't let me connect to anything - it just sits there. I have Windows on a different laptop and have no issues what-so-ever so I may just have to get rid of this netbook. Please advise!!

[Rubberman]

For KT1. You say you are running Ubuntu. On the top of the screen is your menu bar with various menus on the left and some icons on the right, including one for the network, audio, etc. If you left-click on the network icon, you should see a number of entries, including a "radio button" for each network type it is finding, such as your Verizon broadband USB modem. If it is there, enable it by clicking on the radio button next to that entry. It will take a minute to connect to the network, assuming you have a good signal from where you are.

For hbronze. The subject of your post indicates that you are using Verizon DSL. Are you directly connected to the modem, or is it connected to a router that your computer is connected to? This is the critical question because what you do will vary significantly, especially in how we tell you to fix the problem. Trust me, we will get you connected and happily browsing the internet PDQ.