how to get wireless working with Ubuntu & Linksys WUSB54GP

i just installed Ubuntu 8.10 and can't get my wireless working. my wireless adapter is: Linksys WUSB54GP wireless-G USB adapter. any help is appreciated.

this is my first time using any kind of linux so explain it like you're doing it for a noob

 

Do you know how to go to Ubuntu's command line window?

If so, type this at the $ prompt: lsusb

Post the output.

I suspect the version of your usb adapter is version 4. That would mean it has the Ralink chipset. It would use the rt2x00 or otherwise known as rt2500 as might be listed in the repository under firmware and/or drivers.

If it's version 4 and ralink, you'll see something like:
man: 13b1 dev: 000d

Check the Ubuntu repositories and you might need medibuntu and/or the restricted repository (non-free). It's there somewhere though as that driver/firmware is included in the current Ubuntu 8.10. Make sure that is installed and that your usb adapter is recognized. Search the repository for 'ralink' and make sure the rt2500 driver and firmware is installed.

You then have to know your wireless security encryption method including whether it's WEP or WPA. You need to know your ESSID if you want to select your network from the router. You're either using a passphrase or password and need to know which one you are using. I assume you're using a router.

I hope that helps.

P.S. The other possible chipset for that adapter is prism but I will assume it's ralink.

 

is the driver that i need to install on this page: http://web.ralinktech.com/ralink/Home/Support/Linux.html

if so, which one?

 

With the Live CD I just clicked on the Wifi icon on the top right and it asked for me to enter my password. That's it.

 

wish it were that easy for me. i entered in my SSID + WEP key and it didn't work...