Ok, Linux gurus I have a question

[makattak]

I'm having a problem with Xubuntu that I hope someone here may be able to resolve as my (newbie Linux user) attempts at fixing have failed after a few hours of work last night.

Main problem: I am trying to put the drivers on the computer (older HP now using the AMD 64 version of Xubuntu) for a USB wireless internet adapter. I have the CD with the windows drivers for the USB device.

Where I'm stuck: I tried to install ndisgtk to make the installation of the Windows driviers easier. Unfortunately, my computer refuses to download ndisgtk from the internet and keeps asking me to put in the XUbuntu 11.10 _Oneric_Ocelot_ version AMD 64 CD. (Not the exact name it is asking for, but something like that.) Unfortunately, when I put in the CD I used to put Xubuntu on the computer, its name is Xubunu 11.10 Version AMD 64 and the Software Updater refuses to recognize it as the CD is needs.

So, my question is, what is the best way to resolve this? Is there a way to get ndisgtk onto my computer (note, I downloaded the app directly from its developer site and opened it with the Software Updater and the Updater was stuck on "waiting for get apt to close") or would it be easier to find another way to load the driver onto the computer?

[lee n. field]

Unfortunately, my computer refuses to download ndisgtk from the internet and keeps asking me to put in the XUbuntu 11.10 _Oneric_Ocelot_ version AMD 64 CD.

Xubuntu -- check your /etc/apt/sources.list file.  Remark out (put a # at the front of the line) the line that starts "deb cdrom:...".

Rerun "sudo apt-get update" from the command prompt, or refresh package information in whatever graphical package manager you're using.

Once that's done, it should stop trying to get packages from your install cd.

[zahc]

"drivers"? What are those? Why do you need them to run a simple USB wifi dongle?

The correct way to handle this is to go buy a USB wireless adapter that works in linux already.

Trust me. It's the cost of doing Linux business. If it was an integrated wifi card on a laptop or something, I can see messing around trying to get it working, but not for a USB dongle.

[lee n. field]

"drivers"? What are those? Why do you need them to run a simple USB wifi dongle?

The correct way to handle this is to go buy a USB wireless adapter that works in linux already.

Trust me.

Wayyy less headache.  I've never had to mess with ndiswrapper, myself.

[rcnixon]

I've used NDISwrapper but with Ubuntu, I have not had to.  It looks as though no one is maintaining NDISwrapper anymore.  +1 for finding an adapter that works with Linux.  It's cheaper in the long run and with far fewer headaches.

Russ