Coming from W10 and never had a Linux OS before, I have just installed Z18. Generally, it's working ok, but I have a few issues I will post here, hopefully you guys and the community can help me.
Firstly, on installation, I was never asked about a wifi connection, setting up my wifi with name and or password. It just connected! How did this happen? Secondly, I have no 'wifi connection icon' showing in the bottom right of my taskbar, so I have no idea really what is happening with the wifi, if it's on or off, the strength of the signal, etc.. Thirdly, and possibly linked to number 2, when I look at Zorin Help 'Set Up Wifi' and follow the instructions, number 1. says click on the indicator icon when I do that, I don't see the wifi button, I see 'wired' which in fact is correct as my machine is wired directly into the router not via wifi is this correct then? When I go to 'wired' button and arrow and wired settings, I don't recognise any of my 'wifi signals' and places to 'add ' it or passwords to add etc. Could someone expalin this to me please.
That is correct. Connecting to a network via Wi-Fi requires a password (otherwise anyone around you could connect to it), but not so if you are already plugged in via ethernet. If the installer detects that you already have network access, then it just skips that step.
You can still enable that via Settings → Wi-Fi. Or, through the system tray icon at the taskbar. If you see the Wi-Fi button highlighted, it means it's active but not necessarily connected to anything. Click on the little arrow to display the available networks. Or, again, through the Settings menu:
When You are connected with a Cable with Your Router, You have a Cable Connection. When you want use Wifi, you have to unplug the Cable, then activate the built-in Wifi Modul (go to Settings>Wifi) and activate the Wifi of Your Router. And then You should be able to set it up.
Thank you for the welcome. I hope to be active here one day when I am knowledgeable. My Desktop has no active wifi and is solely ethernet connection. I was just looking at my W10 days, where I can see a signal icon (tells me if the connection is active or not, and signal strength). So, if I understand you correctly, I will not see a wifi/signal icon if I am connected via an Ethernet connection, only if I am connected via wifi. Is there any way to have an icon just to see if the connection (Ethernet)is active or not, and the strength of the signal to the router? Thanks again for you help.
Thank you for your speedy reply. I understand now how I got connected if it skips the step with an Ethernet connection and no WiFi. It was just that W10 requested a PW to the WiFi despite being an Ethernet connection. I would still like to see an icon for monitoring purposes eg.. connection is active or reduced signal etc.. I, however, do not have any buttons that say WiFi or anything that suggests an icon or signal. Should I be able to see something?
If you are connected with both ethernet and Wi-Fi, the ethernet connection will take precedence. Otherwise, the Wi-Fi icon would show up normally. But keep in mind that without having a connection to a network, there's nothing to monitor so you would see a grayed out icon.
Yes... a nefarious decision but that's Microsoft in a nutshell. For reference:
You don't even have a detected Wifi Module. In Expectation that You have a built-in Wifi Module, we have to see that we get it detected for You first before You can even use Wifi. Then You should get the Stuff what you can see on @zenzen's Pictures.
Did You take a Look at the ''Additional Drivers'' Tab in Software & Updates if there is a Driver for Your Wifi offered? And could You please post the Output of the Commands that @Forpli already posted?
Your Wi-Fi network card is not being recognized at all. What kind of computer do you have (brand, model, specs)?
Is your network card firmly seated in the port?
The icon showing as ethernet instead of wireless is normal, as that takes precedence even if you are connected with both. However, it is unusual that your wireless radio is not showing up, which means is not being detected. Even if you are not using it and disable it explicitly, it should still be there in case you do want to use it at a later time.
Can you share what make/model are you using?
For reference, I've plugged in an external network adapter but not connected to any Wi-Fi, and it at least shows as being available:
I'm interested in the network card to see if maybe there's some information about it specifically. If your computer was built manually, it's possible that the adapter is not well supported under Linux. Or, maybe you need to install a driver specific to this device separately.
