Bricks and Mortar USB WiFi adapter

long_b

Can anyone recommend a cheap USB WiFi dongle that will work out of the box with Ubuntu 16.04?

Looking to convert a mate and promised "No command line" stuff.

Bricks and mortar shop preferred.

syklops

First off, why are you trying to convert a mate to linux while promising no command line stuff?

Its like talking your Ma into learning to drive and then promising she will never have to open the bonnet.

Even on windows you have to install drivers of things.

Guaranteed to work out of the box is an Alfa AWUS036n* but I doubt you will get one in Dublin in a bricks and mortar shop, but you should get it overnight from Amazon.co.uk.

Ste-

http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/1420579/Trail/searchtext%3EUSB+WIFI.htm

Worked on my raspberry pi, can't confirm Ubuntu 16.04 tho.

long_b

syklops wrote: »

First off, why are you trying to convert a mate to linux while promising no command line stuff?

Its like talking your Ma into learning to drive and then promising she will never have to open the bonnet.

Even on windows you have to install drivers of things.

Guaranteed to work out of the box is an Alfa AWUS036n* but I doubt you will get one in Dublin in a bricks and mortar shop, but you should get it overnight from Amazon.co.uk.

Last time he tried he had a nightmare trying to install drivers for his wifi card - it put him off completely and he's now convinced you need to be a professional hacker to run Linux.

Thing is he really hates Windows 10 and wants stuff to just work. I'm sure he'd like Linux if I can get him using it.

He'll be using it strictly for a Web based system and printing pdfs.

I reckon a one hour assisted session with Ubuntu Mate and he should be all set up. Anything else he needs should be available from the Mate Welcome screen.

I'm just worried as from reading up I don't think his laptop's wifi card is supported.

bonzodog2

long_b wrote: »

Last time he tried he had a nightmare trying to install drivers for his wifi card - it put him off completely and he's now convinced you need to be a professional hacker to run Linux.

Thing is he really hates Windows 10 and wants stuff to just work. I'm sure he'd like Linux if I can get him using it.

He'll be using it strictly for a Web based system and printing pdfs.

I reckon a one hour assisted session with Ubuntu Mate and he should be all set up. Anything else he needs should be available from the Mate Welcome screen.

I'm just worried as from reading up I don't think his laptop's wifi card is supported.

Could be changed if needed.

long_b

bonzodog2 wrote: »

Could be changed if needed.

True that.
Beyond my comfort zone though, maybe if he becomes a real Linux zealot we could get physical with his hardware

long_b

Ste- wrote: »

http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/1420579/Trail/searchtext%3EUSB+WIFI.htm

Worked on my raspberry pi, can't confirm Ubuntu 16.04 tho.

What are you running on the Pi?

syklops

I'm just worried as from reading up I don't think his laptop's wifi card is supported.

Can you give us the model of Wifi card?

Tbh though if he doesnt want to use the shell, as in is strictly against it, you are flogging a dead sheep trying to get him to use it. Suggest he get a mac.

long_b

syklops wrote: »

Can you give us the model of Wifi card?

Tbh though if he doesnt want to use the shell, as in is strictly against it, you are flogging a dead sheep trying to get him to use it. Suggest he get a mac.

He hates Apple gear more than Microsoft. He could easily run single commands from the shell, I just don't think he'll have to.

I'll be installing teamviewer for remote support.

Johnboy1951

I dunno where all this command line stuff is coming from ....... I have 4 relatives using Linux (not Ubuntu) and none of them could even launch a terminal, not mind say use one.

They all seem to manage fine.

long_b

syklops wrote: »

Can you give us the model of Wifi card?

Tbh though if he doesnt want to use the shell, as in is strictly against it, you are flogging a dead sheep trying to get him to use it. Suggest he get a mac.

He's got an Asus X550c

There seems to be a few workarounds eg

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=2172434

syklops

Johnboy1951 wrote: »

I dunno where all this command line stuff is coming from ....... I have 4 relatives using Linux (not Ubuntu) and none of them could even launch a terminal, not mind say use one.

They all seem to manage fine.

How many people do you know with a...

Wireless router?
Flatscreen television?
Kindle?
Sky+ box(or UPC/Horizon box?
Smartphone(Not an iPhone)

Those people all have Linux in their homes whether they realise it or not and it works pretty well and they never once need to open a shell.

He's got an Asus X550c

There seems to be a few workarounds eg

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=2172434

Workarounds? Did you actually read that thread? Dude tried it again and wireless was working. Apparently a bug related to the actual wireless card, not to Linux.

To be honest I've not heard of a wireless card not being supported by Linux since about 2001 - when did ndiswrapper come out?

Ste-

long_b wrote: »

What are you running on the Pi?

Raspbian, I think. It's sat connected up to the router and I tend to forget it's even there. I'll remote to it later and confirm for you.

long_b

Ste- wrote: »

Raspbian, I think. It's sat connected up to the router and I tend to forget it's even there. I'll remote to it later and confirm for you.

Thanks for that.

No need to check now really - turns out he needs to keep Windows for some specialised medical USB equipment.

Baz_

http://www.pcworld.ie/mobile/product/asus-usbn53-dual-band-usb-wireless-adapter-n600/315672/402.0.5?&

I got that adapter in swords PC world and it has been a solid performer for me since even on Arch! It'll definitely work on the more user friendly distros.

As for needing windows, have you introduced the concept of virtual machines? Best of all worlds with some added security bonuses due to Linux.

Capt'n Midnight

Get a live distro and see does that recognise the wifi.
2016 version of Ubuntu or Mint.


When installing any new OS, even windows, always use a wired connection until the OS is installed and updated. This gives you every chance to get the latest driver.