I have a ubuntu desktop that has always connected to the network via ethernet. It's simple - eth0 is there in ifconfig, I run dhclient eth0, and I'm good to go. It's been this way for ages. Due to wiring constraints, I need to switch over to using wifi. There is a lot of information via google, wikipedia, et al about what is possible, which chipsets are supported, which drivers support which chipsets, and tables showing a cross-section of all of that. However, today I'm looking for a recommendation of easiest thing to plug into your computer, and have wifi0 (or whatever) in ifconfig.I don't mind if it's PCI or USB - I was hoping for someone to tell me Yeah, just buy this thing, plug it in, and use this program to find the AP and connect. I did it last week, and it was simple.. Sorry for such a rudimentary question - I've been clinging to the ethernet cable as long as I could. I knew this day would come.Bonus points for it working when installing ubuntu (or any linux distro) in the installer.Thanks!
What do I need to look at to when getting a wifi adaptor to get my ubuntu desktop on wifi?
linux;networking;ubuntu
Most modern wifi adaptors should work with little issues. My goto spare 'it will certainly work' wifi adaptor's a generic no brand 802.11 n nano adaptor - a few dozen companies make em. They universally use the same, standard ralink chipset.This is the specific one I have, and if you want a branded one Edimax's riff on the product is certain to work. Plug it in, reboot and it should be detected.They work with most common linux distros, there's support in kernel for ubuntu and fedora at the very least. They're also crazy cheapHowever these only support the 'last gen' 802.11n standard, at the lowest speed possible. They also only support the more common 2.4 ghz, which is sometimes congested.It will certainly work with minimal configuration.