Need assistance

[Robert Parker]

Hello Raymond,

2009/3/20 Raymond Land <ray5263 at hotmail.com>:
> Hello to all and especially to anyone who can help.  I just received my
> first laptop from Dell using the Ubuntu system.  I am NOT very astute with
> computers and struggle with some of the lingo so if you respond understand
> that I may need clarification on some things.
>
> I use a Dell computer at home and purchased the laptop so that I could have
> email and web access when I am away from the house.  My biggest problem is
> this. I have not been able to access the web via WiFi.  I contacted Dell and
> was told that, because it is an Ubuntu system, I must work directly with
> Ubuntu.  I did get one Dell Tech to speak with me but he didn't have a clue
> as to how to solve my problem.

On a standard Ubuntu system you will have an icon on the bar at the
top toward the right hand side.
Move your mouse pointer over there until you get a tool tip showing
"networking" or "wireless networking" or something to that effect.
Sorry I'm a little vague because the icon and tool tip change after a
connection is made and I have now been connected for months.

Once found, click on it and you will get a list of available wireless
providers assuming you are within range of some providers. Some of
those will be secured by password but some may not be. Just try them
out. Once you have successfully connected somewhere Ubuntu will
automatically connect to that point every time you log on provided
that you are within range of course.

>
> When I begin, I click the Ubunto Icon, then Systems, then Administration,
> then Network.  A window opens entitled Network settings. This window offers
> three options for connecting to the internet, one of them is Wireless
> Connection.  Unfortunately all of the window choices are in grayscale and
> none of them respond to the cursor.  No one at Dell knows what to do at this
> point and neither do I.
>

> Within the Network Settings Window there is a link entitled "unlock".  When
> I click this link I am prompted for an Administrator Password.  Where do I
> get this password if I need it?  The folks at Dell say they don't have a
> clue.  Does everyone go through this?  Do I have a mfr. problem?  Am I
> stupid?  Who can help me?

If you are the first user on the system and I guess you are, the
Administrator Password is the password you used to log on.

NB It is possible Dell have configured your system different to mine
but at least try out the above suggestions.
I look forward to reading about how you get on

Bob Parker
-- 
In a world without walls who needs Windows (or Gates)? Try Linux instead!