The Best “Manual Network Config” Guide

As I have posted before, I had a few problems with the standard network-manager which comes with Debian and Ubuntu Gnome desktops, and chose to use Wicd instead.

My basic Debian and Ubuntu installations (net/server installs with desktop and apps added after), are usually manually configured via the terminal with files edited with nano.

I was going to write up a manual guide until I came across this extensive, well written Howto by kevdog at Ubuntu Forums. No point reinventing the wheel 😉

This post forms part of my “The Best <  > Guides”.

Huxterby

Wicd Linux Network Manager Replacement

I chose to use Wicd as I was having problems connecting with Debian, Ubuntu, Dreamlinux and Fedora.

From the Wicd Sourceforge site:

http://wicd.sourceforge.net/

No Gnome dependencies (although it does require GTK), so it is easy to use in XFCE, Fluxbox, Openbox, Enlightenment, etc.

Ability to connect to wired and wireless networks

Profiles for each wireless network and wired network

Many encryption schemes, some of which include WEP/WPA/WPA2 (and you can add your own)

Remains compatible with wireless-tools

Tray icon showing network activity and signal strength

So if you have problems with Network-Manager and NmApplet, try wicd, it worked better for me with wep and wpa wireless connections.

Huxterby