DSL support and Lubuntu Wi-Fi guidance
DSL support and Lubuntu Wi-Fi guidance
I’m used to working with Windows, so the Wi-Fi setup feels a bit unclear. Linux indicates that the drivers should handle most Wi-Fi cards automatically. I’m thinking about setting up DSL (Damn Small Linux) on this netbook, which has specifications suggesting it needs a lightweight operating system. The Intel Atom N450 1.66 GHz with 1GB DDR2 SSD and an Intel Wireless 802.11n card (model HB95 mini) are listed. I already have Lubuntu 16.04 installed on my laptop—Wi-Fi and Bluetooth work with Intel 3160 AC and BT4.0. My challenge is connecting to Wi-Fi using these devices on DSL and Lubuntu. I’m unsure if the network cards are properly installed or if I’m configuring them correctly. I prefer Ethernet, but it’s often hard to reach or unavailable. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!
LUbuntu is the LXDE based spin on ubuntu unless I'm mistaken. If nothing is in the bottom right 'system tray' you may need to install a network manager of some kind (example: https://askubuntu.com/questions/322861/h...in-lubuntu ). The gnome one is pretty sensible, but can have loooots of dependencies so maybe something like wicd (this thing is split between wicd and the UI or at least used to be so maybe check to make sure you have what you need). If youre new to linux, LXDE IMHO gives a pretty poor user experience all because 'lightness'. XFCE will probably be a friendlier way to get your feet wet. In my experience MATE and Unity use around the same resources anyway and run fine on modern machines (think >1GB of ram with >1 core). Unless you find those unsuably slow, I'd probably try them first and then try XFCE before LXDE because of stupid stuff like this which really - for a pretty mainstream distro - is silly.
The Wi-Fi icon is usually located at the bottom right for Lubuntu. Pressing it will open a Wi-Fi menu. If that fails, navigate to the menu on the left side, select Settings, then choose Network. Regarding DSL (assuming Damn Small Linux), wireless support is unlikely. As mentioned by @code_glitch, consider trying Xubuntu (Ubuntu’s XFCE version) for a better experience—it offers more features while staying lightweight.
I possess the network manager installed. The look of my laptop's desktop resembles this: I pressed the two squares marked by a connecting line in the bottom right (my version has an X instead of the line). I can adjust VPN settings, toggle network options, or edit connections. I’m able to create a new connection and choose from several types: Bluetooth, DSL, Ethernet, InfiniBand, Mobile Broadband, Wifi, or some virtual networks. I’ve already set Wi-Fi as my choice, but I’m unsure about the right steps. For DSL, it launches with a "Getting started" window. When prompted to connect to the net, if you have broadband and a router assigning IP via DHCP, you’re likely already online without further setup. If you use a dial-up modem or need login credentials from your ISP, proceed accordingly. For dial-up, go to System->Net Setup->dial up PPP, follow the instructions, name your setup, then select Dial-UP, enter the name, and press hangup when done. If PPPoE is needed, choose the DSL/PPPoE menu, connect, and disconnect using the provided options. For a list of compatible wireless cards, refer to the wiki section on wireless cards. On the main menu, you can access a net setup folder containing netcardconf, dial-up PPP, iwconfig, wlcardconfig, ndiswrapper, prism2, and a DSL/PPPoE subfolder with PPPoEconf, Pon, and Poff.
You're actually much nearer than you realize. If the network manager came pre-installed, thank you to the LXDE community for resolving this! It's been a short time since I used LXDE. There should be a quick fix available, but in SSID you need to enter the exact network name—this is usually visible on your router's admin page or from your phone. In security settings, pick your chosen protection method: Open/None (preferably), WEP (not recommended), or WPA/WPA2. For authentication, a simple plan password works unless you have advanced setups like RADIUS. After saving, connect as a valid link. Remember to fill the MAC address box and ensure your Wi-Fi card is active. Usually, clicking the indicators shows available networks only when networking is enabled (check the box). *I attempted to capture a screenshot but the app's menu is hidden on this device, preventing a clear image.*
I responded in purple since the reds looked incorrect, and orange didn’t feel right. I hope the text is clear. Thanks!
Windows mix-up, the network name refers to the actual 802.11 network, like "Home Wi-Fi." The phrase sounds similar to Windows names for connections, such as hub-1234AF or talktalk-XYZ in the UK. An app can quickly reveal channel details and strength within seconds. I’ve included some screenshots showing channel strength and other info. Your phone and Windows password appear correct. It seems your device isn’t showing network options properly, possibly because the access point is offline or your MAC address isn’t being recognized. The note about the MAC address means your device should be correctly registered. If you’re not seeing connections, check the Wi-Fi settings and ensure the card is functioning. For now, I’ll need a bit more time to review this—maybe someone else can help clarify further.
Confirm the details about the AP identifier. If it appears in the Wi-Fi analyzer as SKYBB9999 or similar, that matches what you expect. The MAC address shown there belongs to the access point, not your device, and isn't mandatory for identification.