[NTLUG:Discuss] My Linux journey with a new laptop, still have problems (be warned, long post)

[David Simmons]

> the video
> again came up in 800x600 resolution mode.  I
figured it was a matter of
> just adding the desired screen
resolution (Vista had it come up natively
> in 1440x900 mode), I
edited /etc/X11/xorg.conf to add the desired screen
> resolution,
rebooted (I'm a little fuzzy on the process of stopping and
>
starting the X server) and I now had the maximum screen resolution this
> laptop will produce.  The screen is capable of 720p HD screen
> resolution, low end HD, to be sure, but it beats standard screen
> resolutions.

So, is video working like you want it to
work?  Are you able to enable the 3D modes?

> However,
while it's able to see them, I still can't seem to
> connect to my
wireless router.  
> I believe the problem is in my WPA password,
which works fine with
> Windows

Yes, I was thinking it
was a WEP vs WPA difference issue.  As WPA needs to communicate keys
back, the drivers are different.  I would do some Googling (at
http://google.com/linux ) for 'WPA Network howto setup' and go from
there.....maybe you can put it into WEP mode just to test the theory that
it's supposed to work....then tackle the tricker WPA setup?

Good luck....and the best way to learn is have things break/not
work....grin

 - Dave