wicd
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What is WICD?
WICD (pronounced like wicked) is an open source wired and wireless network manager for Linux which aims to provide a simple interface to connect to networks with a wide variety of settings. It provides support only for wired and wireless networks (no fancy VPNs, DSL routing and such), but it's a good alternative ifNetworkManager gives you problems.
Installing WICD
For Gnome / Unity
Open up a Terminal and execute the following commands:
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First, we download the latest NetworkManager, in case we need to reinstall if WICD doesn't works:
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sudo apt-get install -d --reinstall network-manager network-manager-gnome
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- Then we install WICD:
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sudo apt-get install wicd-gtk
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And only then do we uninstall NetworkManager:
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sudo apt-get remove --purge network-manager-gnome network-manager
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For KDE (Kubuntu)
Open up a Terminal and execute the following commands:
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First, we download the latest NetworkManager, in case we need to reinstall if WICD doesn't works:
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sudo apt-get install -d --reinstall network-manager plasma-widget-networkmanagement
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- Then we install WICD:
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sudo apt-get install wicd-kde
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And only then do we uninstall NetworkManager:
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sudo apt-get remove --purge plasma-widget-networkmanagement network-manager
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Configuring WICD
You can access WICD either through Applications / Internet / WICD, or by clicking on the tray icon --in KDE, you may have to add it by hand by right-clicing the triangle that shows the hidden icons in the System Tray (far right on the Task Bar), selecting System Tray Preferences and marking "Wicd client" on the Extra elements list.
Once you click on the Systray widget, you should see a list of available networks. Click on "Properties" (the wrench icon, or an arrow for older versions) next to the network you want to connect to to specify your network address or Access Point's password, if required:
- Mark Use Encryption
- Select the type of encryption of your AP (usually WPA 1/2 Hex or WEP Hex).
- Write your AP's password in Key.
Also select Automatically connect to this network if you want to do so. Once you're done configuring it, go to the connection list again and click on it's name this time to connect to it.
Reverting to NetworkManager
For Gnome / Unity
Open up a Terminal and execute the following commands:
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Install NetworkManager:
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sudo apt-get install network-manager-gnome network-manager
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- Then remove WICD:
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sudo apt-get remove --purge wicd wicd-gtk
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- Finally, restart your system.
For KDE (Kubuntu)
Open up a Terminal and execute the following commands:
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Install NetworkManager:
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sudo apt-get install plasma-widget-networkmanagement network-manager
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- Then remove WICD:
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sudo apt-get remove --purge wicd wicd-kde
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- Finally, restart your system.
See also
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NetworkManager - The standard network manager
External links