Template:Laptop Networking
Test wired internet connection
You'll notice that basiccheck also contains a minimal networking test. The following includes more comprehensive instructions and troubleshooting steps.
☐ Plug in an ethernet cable from the workbench.
- Watch the desktop task bar, top right corner. You should see a ↑↓ symbol appear.
☐ Open a web browser (Xubuntu 12.04 uses Firefox by default) and navigate to a website, such as llama.freegeek.org.
Troubleshooting tips
- Try a different cable. The workbench ethernet cables see a lot of use.
- Check to see if the up lights are flashing on the LAN port. No lights may indicate a failed port.
- Open a terminal and run
ifconfig. Have your instructor help you interpret the results.
Requirements
☐ All laptops given away or sold from Free Geek must have a working wired internet connection. Some laptops may accept an external PCMCIA card if the internal port has failed, consult with your instructor.
Test wireless internet connection
☐ Test wireless
- Disconnect the ethernet cable.
- Click on the WiFi symbol to select the FreeGeek network.
- If all goes well, you should be able to simply browse to a website with Firefox. Pick a different site than you used for the wired networking test, such as
http://wiki.freegeek.org.
☐ If you arrive at your website successfully, continue to the next build step.
- If you run into issues, reference the Wireless Troubleshooting Guide (A-5) in the binder Appendix.
Requirements
All laptops sold or given away from Free Geek must be able to browse to a website wirelessly. In some cases, installing an external PCMCIA wireless card is ok, check with your instructor.