Wi-Fi Control Programs

The Wi-Fi configuration and control programs supplied with Ubuntu, SUSE, PC-BSD, and other distributions are all you really need to set up your computer for a Wi-Fi connection. The adapter attached to your computer detects nearby wireless networks and either connects automatically or offers a list and allows you to choose the network you want to use. No muss and a minimum of fuss.

But some other distributions don't include bundled Wi-Fi software, so you must find and install one of the add-on programs. Some of these are designed for the GNOME or KDE desktop, and others are more generic.

Using Built-in Software

The wireless networking software included with many Unix and Linux distributions is easy to use: If the system doesn't ...

Get The Book of Wireless, Second Edition now with the O’Reilly learning platform.

O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.