Difference between revisions of "Template:Laptop Networking"

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(moved wireless troubleshooting steps to wireless troubleshooting guide page)
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====Test wireless internet connection====
 
====Test wireless internet connection====
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&#9744; Disconnect the ethernet cable. <br>
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&#9744; Test wireless
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&#9744; Click on the WiFi symbol to select the FreeGeek network.  
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* Disconnect the ethernet cable. <br>
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&#9744; 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 <code>http://wiki.freegeek.org</code>. <br>
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* Click on the WiFi symbol to select the FreeGeek network. <br>
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* 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 <code>http://wiki.freegeek.org</code>. <br>
 
&#9744; If you arrive at your website successfully, continue to the next build step.<br>
 
&#9744; If you arrive at your website successfully, continue to the next build step.<br>
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'''Troubleshooting steps'''<br>
 
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Wireless problems can be tricky. However, there are ways we can narrow down what is causing the problem. Follow these troubleshooting steps in order, and ask a fellow builder or instructor for help if you have questions.<br>
 
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&#9744; Check and see if any available proprietary wireless drivers are available to install.
 
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*Open Menu >> Settings >> '''Additional Drivers'''.
 
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*You will need to be connected via an ethernet cable to install any proprietary drivers detected.
 
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&#9744; Click on the WiFi icon, and make sure that the option for '''Enable Wireless''' is checked.<br>
 
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*If it is enabled, select the FreeGeek network from the menu.
 
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*If it is greyed out, your connection may be disabled from software, a physical switch or BIOS.<br>
 
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&#9744; Look the laptop chassis up and down for a wireless switch. These can be easy to miss. If you find one, make sure the switch is turned on. <br>
 
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&#9744; Check the keyboard for a key combination to enable/disable wireless. These are often a number key plus the function (Fn) key. <br>
 
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&#9744; Reboot to BIOS. Sometimes there is an option in BIOS to disable/enable a mini-PCI or Wireless device. If so, make sure that you enable it. <br>
 
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&#9744; Boot back to Xubuntu. Open a terminal and run the command <code>lspci |grep -i wireless</code>. We need to confirm that the wireless card is recognized by the operating system. <br>
 
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*If the card is not recognized, it could be a bad card, or bad PCI slot. Try swapping out the card.<br>
 
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*If the card is recognized, or you're not sure, ask your instructor. Advanced troubleshooting is likely needed.<br>
 
 
'''Requirements'''<br>
 
'''Requirements'''<br>
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&#9744; 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.
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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.
 
[[Category:Laptops]]
 
[[Category:Laptops]]

Revision as of 17:58, 28 December 2012

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.
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.

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