New User needs help setting up wireless internet access

[nmset]

We can't know if it will work with your system drivers as we don't know the chipset inside. As I said, I don't really know Debian, one person seeming to be much more learned in Debian says it won't work with system drivers. It should work with ndiswrapper, which you have to download and compile. This is no longer plug and play.

[waterhead]

Can someone confirm if the "NETGEAR MA311 - Network adapter - PCI - 802.11b" wireless PCI card will work with linux?

That is a wireless-b card, just like your current card is.

01:07.0 Ethernet controller [0200]: Linksys, A Division of Cisco Systems WMP11v4 802.11b PCI card [17fe:2120]

"b" wireless does not support WPA types of encryption, they only support WEP encryption. WEP has been cracked so easily that it isn't even considered to be a security protocol anymore. I would only look at "g" and "n" wireless cards. "n" cards should support "g" also. You would also need a router or access point that supports the type of card that you get.

As mentioned, there is no definitive way to find Linux supported wireless devices. One way is to do a search of the NewEgg reviews, for the word "linux". This will bring up any review that contains that word, but some will say "doesn't work in linux", so please read the reviews before buying.

Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras and more!

Use linux in the "Search Reviews" box, and "Wireless Adapters" in the "By Catagory" box.