I have a Compaq Presario 1200 600mHz Celeron 128mb.
Looking to install Linux to extend its useful life...

It does not have onboard Wifi or Ethenet. I have a Linksys WPC54G ver.3 wireless card. Worked stable w/Windows ME.

I have tried installing Ubuntu & Kubuntu (Breezy, Dapper and Edgy) as well as SimplyMepis 6.0 and Knoppix. None of which will recognize and get the wireless card to work - either in LiveCD or install modes...
(Dapper and Mepis did ask for SSID and WEP Keys)

None of them seem to get the card to work. It has two LEDs, one for power and the other for 'link' and in/out traffic - only the power LED is ever lit.

In reading the support forums for the distributions, it seems I need 'ndiswrapper' to get it to work. Only 'Edgy' seems to have it on the install CD. However, I don't seem to be able to follow the instructions with any success...

Not being able to access any other installation resources (other than the one CD seems to be doubly frustrating).

Anyone able to assist me in getting WiFi to work?

Thanks!
Jim Scott

ps: I used to attend the SCVLUG meetings a few years ago before work took me in other directions...