Ubuntu laptop cant use wifi

[Rubberman]

So my laptop cannot get wireless at all with Ubuntu? Is there another linux OS I could/should be using instead?

Linux systems generally have the same kernels, so this would likely be a problem for out-of-the-box support. That said, I know that Broadcom is doing a lot to provide better linux and open source support for their devices, so you might find something on their web site. After all, you can easily install a driver that is not supported by default, which may be provided by a device manufacturer, but not yet integrated into the mainstream kernel code base. That is generally a slow process, getting new drivers to be directly released with the kernel.

Alternatively, a WiFi USB dongle that is supported by your OS is a definite possibility. That can work, even if your built-in one doesn't, and they aren't too expensive.

[MikeTbob]

Check around in the Ubuntu system menu, I think there is an option to install "Windows drivers" also known as NDISWrapper, I know Mint Linux has that but I can't remember if Ubuntu does as well. I think that might be your best bet with this particular card.

[Rubberman]

I've used ndiswrapper on ubuntu systems in the past, though not the latest 10.x (9.04 or 9.10 - don't remember which), so that might work in a pinch.

[deyna]

i just got a Dell D600 that uses a similar Wifi chip.
the b43 driver worked for me even though it says it doesn't on their page:
linuxwireless.o r g/en/users/Drivers/b43
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it looks like you are already using the b43legacy driver so you may need to uninstall it

if that doesn't work i also had luck with ndiswrapper and you can find the driver you need here:
sourceforge.n e t/apps/mediawiki/ndiswrapper/index.php?title=Dell_Truemobile_1400
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to get at the .ini you'll need to extract the files like this:

 unzip -a drivername.exe

[edit] i did this on Slackware 13.1 but it should also work on Ubuntu. Also, my card is a Dell Truemobile 1450 but it still uses the same Broadcom chip 14e4:4324 [/edit]

[theoblivion]

Just buy a usb or pcmcia wifi adaptor. That should do it.