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OS 9: Where's my wifi?

WhatJustHappened

Sat May 13, 2017 5:08:19 am

I'm running a live CD on an iMac. The OS runs fine, but I can't find a wifi connection. I can't even find an option for a wifi connection, just Ethernet (which I do not have).

I ran into this problem on a different computer a few years ago (PC), and I eventually gave up. I'd really like to be able to use Zorin, but I'm reluctant to install it if I can't connect.

Swarfendor437

Sat May 13, 2017 12:05:54 pm

Hi, be sure that you have you MacOS running before deleting everything if that is what you intend to do/dual boot?

See here (wifi covered):

https://jonworth.eu/the-simple-guide-to ... -on-a-mac/

And don't forget to check what to do beforehand here:

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=12621&p=55727#p55727

WhatJustHappened

Sun May 14, 2017 8:51:07 am

Step 2 – Install rEFInd to allow dual booting
This presumes that you want to be able to boot your Mac in either Mac OS or Ubuntu, and to be able to switch between them. For this you will need a software utility called rEFInd. Its interface looks horrid, but it works. You can find instructions of how to install it from How To Geek here, and you can get the latest edition of the rEFInd software here. Before you start this connect your Mac to the internet with an ethernet cable – wifi will not work initially, and if you are connected to the internet then extra Ubuntu packages will be downloaded while you are installing it.



I don't have an ethernet connection. I also don't need a live because Live USB, because I have a Live CD. Or am I misunderstanding?

Swarfendor437

Sun May 14, 2017 2:10:13 pm

oops! my bad! :oops:

One solution if funds will allow:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ethernet-Netwo ... B003Q85EEA

WhatJustHappened

Sun May 14, 2017 11:38:56 pm

Sorry, Swarfendor, I should have been more detailed. I have ethernet ports; what I don't have is an internet line coming into my house. I use a neighbor's wireless.

Here is my desktop computer: http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/i ... specs.html
It's not exactly portable, or I'd go to a wired connection for setup. The wifi (Airport Extreme) works fine when running Safari.

So, next question: I have a PC laptop I'm using. Can I download the drivers I need onto a USB and transfer it to the Mac? I have all the card info?

Swarfendor437

Mon May 15, 2017 11:52:38 am

Hi, check the link in this link - but be warned I was stopped from connecting so do so at your own risk!:

https://sourceforge.net/p/mactel-linux/ ... e/4306014/

Just to be clear, the link in the post that the link above points to - the link above is not risky. ;)

Swarfendor437

Mon May 15, 2017 11:43:14 pm

Just to add if you find the packages it is possible to download and install but you will need to check what kernel compatibility is needed plus any other dependencies plus you can end up breaking your system like I did when I first started using GNU/Linux with Mandrake.

WhatJustHappened

Thu May 18, 2017 3:56:22 am

"pragmat" appears to be dead.

Just to add if you find the packages it is possible to download and install but you will need to check what kernel compatibility is needed plus any other dependencies plus you can end up breaking your system like I did when I first started using GNU/Linux with Mandrake.


Sorry, I don't understand anything in there except about breaking my system.

Swarfendor437

Thu May 18, 2017 11:50:37 am

Well the post of that link mentioned that ndiswrapper got the wifi working - in Zorin installs, ndiswrapper does not have all the necessary elements at point of install - can you please check in live mode with Synaptic Package Manager, what available packages are not present when you search for ndiswrapper? Make a not of these and then go to the ndiswrapper website for the drivers for Ubuntu 14.04 (aka Zorin 9).

http://ndiswrapper.sourceforge.net/wiki ... /Main_Page

It may also prove useful to join their forum to progress your issue? ;) :D