ok so here is an update
i installed network_manager. took me a while to track down all that was needed to install it. that was not very easy, took a lot of google time
so this is where i am now: knetworkmanger wont install
configure runs perfectly, but it bugs on the make. i get this as soon as i run make:
WARNING: use unsermake instead of make or use a wrapper script, e.g. makeobj!!!
unsermake all
make: unsermake: Command not found
make: *** [all] Error 127
any clues? never seen this kind of error before...