[Leaplist] New to Linux

[Phil Barnett]

On Thu, 2010-02-18 at 07:33 -0800, Bruce Kalashian wrote:
> Thank you for allowing me to join.  Let me start by saying I know just
> enough to get into big trouble!  I am using a Gateway Profile 5
> computer that was given to me because it needed repair.  After a lot
> of learning, replacing the mother board fix it.  It has a 150+/- hard
> drive and a 3ghz processor.  With Windows XP.
> 
> I just got a wireless router that a friend(geek) set up for me so fast
> that I didn't get to make notes so I'm lost with that part.  The
> Gateway connected right up to the router, asked me the password and I
> was in business.  
> 
> I bought Puppy at the hamfest and have run it from the disc.  I tried
> to  hook up the the wireless net.  No joy!  I think I need to know
> some basics....What is a profile name and where can I find it in XP?
> What is the ESSID and where can I find it too.  I have been on the web
> and gotten definitions but I don't know where to go to get the actual
> info I need.  Is it in the machine already?  The auto set up says it
> has found the network and found the name we gave it but won't
> connect.(Says page error try........).  I suspect I need a driver,
> will that mess up the Windows and what / where/ and how do I get it
> and install it?
> 
> I would like to get into the Linux so I can learn what is going on and
> partition the big drive to boot in ether OS.
> 
> This is a start, I need lots of help with basics and terms.

Ok, let's start back a ways.

1. Cable modem or DSL modem, either one provides a single Ethernet port
to run into your premises. If you need to connect more than one computer
or if you need to branch into a wireless connection, you add some
equipment. Many times, this equipment does both, it multiplies your
single inbound connection to be able to connect many computers with
Ethernet cables and it also provides a wireless access point.

This 1 to many configuration is typical, I suspect it's what you have.

If you connect to one of the wired ports with an Ethernet cable directly
to your computer, it should be immediately recognized and you should go
right onto the network.

If you also have a wireless access point built in, it will transmit it's
ID (ESSID) so you can see it. This is an advantage if you live in a
dense area and there are lots of wireless signals, it helps you pick out
yours.

As your computer begins to connect with your wireless access point,
there may be a pass phrase involved. We can't help you with that. You'll
have to talk with the person that set it all up.

There is probably a web site provided by your bridge/access point where
you can change the configuration. This is also something that the person
who set it all up will have to tell you what that is. Or it might still
be the default address and some online documentation will help you out.

To get much further than this, we'll have to have some specifics such as
which cable modem or DSL modem you have, which wireless bridge you have,
etc.



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