have you tried connecting to a physical ethernet connection and going to the ubuntu software center then searching for wireless programs n such? Sometimes when your having issues, specially with a new switch, it's nice to find a program that says "I connect your wireless cards to the internet" Oh good thats what I need! lol.

Also, have you done this and completely updated your system? Because I use a dual boot on both my main desktop and laptop but Ubuntu always finds my drivers easier then windows. So I am a bit surprised your having this issue. If you have not connected to a physical ethernet connection and then updated your system yet, that very well could solve your issue for you.

this is what some drawbacks with some Linux distributions. We need internet connection, to activate internet connection at the very first time.
Till now, I faced this with Ubuntu, Mint,SUSE, Fedora, and so on

But, SLACKWARE is outstanding and perfect. It don't need internet connection to activate internet connection.Hmm, am not sure about Arch in this matter.

mfillpot wrote:

but to add a slight correction about slackware, if you are using an intel or atheros based adapter it should be detected by nearly all Linux-based distros, but for all Linux-based systems you have to download the broadcom firmware from the internet to get it to work.

well, I forgot t mention that, whatever I talked is about USB modem. In all other distros I have to download usb_modeswitch,wvdial and their dependencies. Thats really put me into trouble, as I need to connect to internet to do that.

But, using "pppsetup" in Slackware, without downloading anyting, I am online.

In general I tell people that they should intentionally try to get a computer with an atheros based wifi card when they are shopping to reduce the stress.

Am not sure about other countries. But, In Indian market, its difficult to find, which brand adapter they are using inside.But, Now a days things are started to change slowly.