How do I connect to a wireless network?

For your wireless network go to System -> Administration -> Network and then configure the connection from there. You can find tutorials on how to do this in the forums (forums.ubuntu.com).

To install software there are several ways. The easiest to use it the Add/Remove software program which is very simple. Go to Applications -> Add/Remove Software. From there you can choose to install only Open source software or any free software. Just check the box next to the application you want to instll and then press apply. You will be asked to confirm your choice and then the software will be installed.

Hope that works for you,
Laurie

Thank you. I will try the installation instructions you posted. For the network though, the only option I have is a wired network. Does Ubuntu not support wireless networks? This was where I got confused.

Thanks Again,

You may need a driver for your wireless card. I really don't know much about this as I always use a wired network. In this case the forums may be your best friend.

Hi
we all have to learn, I am still doing it, lol
Do you have an icon near the clock (top left corner) for internet connection sorry I can not remember what it looks like to describe it. (It has change once I connected)
but if Ubuntu has the drivers it will have an icon there right click on it and connect it, it will say something like enable wireless or connect to what ever you modem have, sorry I am bit of a newbie too, still learning!!!! but Ubuntu found all of my hardware, if you have an icon there right click on it and have a look. if I can work it out!!!well!!!
When I first install Ubuntu I only had (I think) the sound Icon and the Internet connection Icon, so it shouldn't be to hard to find (If you have it)
Sorry for not being to precise but as I said I too am New to all of this only been at it for a few months, but loving Ubuntu, so keep at it, As Laurie said the forum is your best friend.
Regards Neil

Thank you very much for your help. I've been searching online too, and I don't have "wireless network" in the networks window. Additionally, when I right click on the connection icon I don't have "enable wireless", and it doesn't list any available connections. It's like I don't have support for wireless for some reason... :(

What wireless card do you have?

If I understand you are running ubuntu under Virtual PC, in which case it's windows that should connect to your wireless network. is your windows machine connected to the internet?? the next step would be to make sure that there is a network adapter configured for the Ubuntu Virtual Machine (setting should be in Virutal PC, you should have at least one network adapter), I have never used virtual pc, so I can't give you the details of where to do this. I suggest adding a Bridged network interface (your ubuntu machine will have the same ip address as the windows machine).

Goodluck