Wireless networking for Linux can be a little confusing, but
this article takes a look at some of the alternatives the author
had success with. The encouraging part is that once the pain of
configuration (and paying for the hardware in the first place) is
endured, things "just work."
"Having a wireless LAN is the best way to turn your
laptop into a true desktop replacement. There are many competing
standards and Linux support is not always there. We tested a very
inexpensive WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) setup with excellent results."
Wireless LAN is great fun and works splendidly in Linux with a
few exceptions. The WAP that we chose for cost reasons could have
easily been replaced with a Linux configurable, but more expensive
alternative."