WLAN Card doesn't work

[anachronistic]

I installed Linux onto my computer, in hopes of replacing a pirated version of Windows XP. I deleted the Windows partition, and all of its files off of my computer. I fully installed Linux, and I am happy with it... except for one problem; my wireless card nolonger works.

I use a Linksys, model number WPC54G, version 3.0

I found a program called ndiswrapper, which is recommended by Linux's help system. I went to the website, to see if my wireless card is compatible with it. It is compatible with it.

So, I downloaded the program, on my brother's slow computer, with dialup internet, and transfered it via flash drive to my computer, only to find it is a Windows setup file. Imagine how angry and pissed off I am about this.

My question is, should I just pirate Windows again, and install everything? I mean, I do have programs that I need to use that require Windows, but I will be operating them through a program like Wine.

Or is there a way I can install Windows programs, and use them, without ever having to install Windows on my machine?-- This would be a dream come true, for me.

A third, less rational option, would be to go and trade my wireless card for a card that is compatible with Linux, but this is my very last resort.

I am open to other suggestions, as well.

[Zach]

How big is your Hard Drive? Just do a dual boot. Windows on one partition and Linux on another if you have enough room. I would highly suggest this, seeing you just recently installed Linux, so you wouldn't be losing much at all in the process. Then you can cris cross and download w/e you need.

[Zach]

There is a program also that allows you to use windows based programs on linux. Its called Wine. Look it up. [url]http://www.winehq.com/[/url]

[anachronistic]

where can I download Windows XP for free?

Also; how can I shrink down the Linux partition so I can put a Windows partition on my computer?

My hard drive is 20 gigabitches... I mean gigabytes.

[jurupa]

lilwing - Ndiswrapper is Linux only. If you got it as a exe then you did not get the real thing as it does not come as a exe file. The source comes as a tar.gz file. And it also comes in the two popular packagers, rm, and deb. Next follow the instructions from the ndiswrapper site as it differs for each distro.

But why are you giving up on Linux so soon? You seem to be all jazzed up to learn it and now with your first major problem you want to jump ship. If you are serious about linux stick with it, and buy some books on it so that you have some refence material to use.

[anachronistic]

I'm NOT giving up Linux. I am just very pissed off that the only internet connection I have, is at work.

If I can use things like Photoshop, and play diablo ii, as well as quake iii arena, and a few other games, without windows, I will completely forget about windows.

If i get Ndiswrapper, will it install the driver for me? When I deleted my partition, my wireless driver went down with the ship.

[Zach]

where can I download Windows XP for free?

Also; how can I shrink down the Linux partition so I can put a Windows partition on my computer?

My hard drive is 20 gigabitches... I mean gigabytes.

ROFL!! Nice.

Well ok, First off.. 20 gigs isnt much at all.. You may not want to split into 2 partitions. Maybe you should just get another hard drive. LIke another 20 or 40. You don't have any version of Xp at all?

If you do decide to use Windows you are going to have re install Linux and Windows. On separate partitions, you split the partitions when you first boot from the CD and you can configure it from there. Do you know where I am talking about?

I don't know where your going to get a version of Windows again. Good luck with that one.

But since your HD is only 20 gigs I would say just try using Wine. If that doesn't work you may have to find yourself a new copy of windows.

[jurupa]

If i get Ndiswrapper, will it install the driver for me? When I deleted my partition, my wireless driver went down with the ship.

No it will not. You must provide one for it as it is basically an emulator. You can download one from the manufacturer's site tho.

[anachronistic]

I used synaptic to install ndiswrapper... now all I need to figure out is how to use it.

I am learning how to install EXE files onto Ubuntu right now. This will be of help, when I try to install the driver for my card. I hope it will work.

[jurupa]

I used synaptic to install ndiswrapper... now all I need to figure out is how to use it.

I am learning how to install EXE files onto Ubuntu right now. This will be of help, when I try to install the driver for my card. I hope it will work.

Don't use synaptic to install ndiswrapper as its does not have a folder where the drivers are and will not run. Ubuntu has the apt-get command. Use it I believe when it installs it asks you where the driver files are as it complies it self for your computer. Once again you should not be using an exe file to install your wifi card. Drivers for Windows use the ini and dll extension, not exe.

[anachronistic]

I have just discovered the terminal. This is one of the things that I really appreciate in Linux, and it is similar to MS DOS. It is really powerful, though, and I have created a restricted account, so I don't go and accidently delete any vital files.

Synaptic didn't find Linux ant or whatever you suggested, Aegis; I will be searching for it via google, now.

I downloaded the uncompiled code for ndiswrapper, and I have to say, I don't know what I am doing. This is how it went;

cd /home/[user account here]/Desktop/ndiswrapper-1.34/

./configure
bash: ./configure: No such file or directory

Something tells me that the directions are kindof old. What should I do, instead of ./configure?

[anachronistic]

Dude, sorry...it was WINE that I was thinking of... look up WINE for linux.

I figured; I installed WINE anyways. I don't know how to launch it though. There is no icon to click Where is the file that launches wine? Or do I have to operate it through the terminal?

[jurupa]

lilwing - Do a search for the wiki for ndiswrapper. It will tell you how to install the uncompiled version on linux. As far as wine goes I think you either have to run it in bash or there may be a menu icon in your menu if you are using a GUI.