8.1 Connecting to Your Network

There are essentially two ways that you can connect to a network: via wired and wireless connections.

By default, the Network Connections icon is loaded on your main panel. If the icon is a red X, your machine is not currently connected to a network:

Figure 75 Main Panel When Not Connected to a Network

8.1.1 Connecting to a Wired Connection

  1. Make sure that an Ethernet cable is connected to your computer's network interface card.

  2. Click the Network Connections icon on the main panel, then click Ethernet: eth0.

After a wired network connection is established, the Network Connections icon changes to display two desktops.

Figure 76 Main Panel When Connected to a Wired Network

A connection to the network is confirmed when (active) is listed next to the Ethernet menu item. You can also confirm connectivity by clicking the Network Connections icon and then clicking Connection Information. If connected, the Connection Information window displays your IP address.

8.1.2 Connecting to a Wireless Connection

  1. Make sure that an Ethernet cable is connected to your computer's network interface card.

  2. Click the Network Connections icon on the main panel, then click Wireless: eth1.

The Network Connections icon changes to a wireless signal strength bar, and any detected wireless networks are displayed in the Network Connections menu.

Figure 77 Main Panel When Connected to a Wireless Network

If your network name is displayed, select the network name from the Network Connections menu. After you are connected, the Network Connections icon turns blue (Description: NetApplet icon).

If you do not see your wireless network name in the Network Connections menu:

  1. Click the Network Connections icon on the main panel, then click Other.

  2. In the Specify an ESSID dialog, type the wireless network name in the ESSID: field.

  3. (Conditional) If the wireless network is encrypted, click Show Encryption Key to display the Encryption Key field.

  4. Type the encryption code, then click OK.

    Your wireless network's name should now appear in the Network Connections menu.

  5. Select the wireless network's name.

    Upon connection, the Network Connections icon turns blue.

You can also confirm connection by selecting Connection Information from the Network Connections menu. If connected, your IP address is displayed in the Connection Information dialog.