interested in Linux but confused about it

[bernardsql]

Hi I need help with installing linux onto a MSI MS-N082
I’ve loaded ubuntu-14.04.4-desktop-i386 from a CD but can’t get onto the internet.
I have plusnet as wireless connection and have read some things on the forum about VPN whatever that is. Can you please advise me on what I need to do to get a version of linux working on this netbook so that I can get on the internet and use microsoft Office 2000 pro on it.
Thanks Bernard

[Mark Greaves (PCNetSpec)]

Can you connect via an ethernet cable whilst we diagnose this ?
(because we're going to need some command output)

[Tramlink]

Do you have a link to information about your computer as MSI MS-N082  cannot be found on the MSI website?

What operating system was on the computer before you installed ubuntu?

[arochester]

Get your Wifi working on Ubuntu 14.04 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VVosf9p5GM

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. You probably don't have one.

Why Microsoft 2000? There are plenty of Linux native alternatives available.  Top 5 Microsoft Office Alternatives On Ubuntu 14.04 and 16.04 - http://www.ubuntufree.com/top-5-microsoft-word-alternatives-on-ubuntu-14-04-and-14-10/

[GENTOO]

Hello
       Forget about VPN for now. Forget about running Microsoft app's/programs from now on to as from what I understand that is your ultimate goal in this question. Your internet connection should work auto these days on Almost if not every official LINIX based OS? Like someone mentioned when you plug your Ethernet cable or which ever type of phone jack you plug in to your machine does this not give you a hard wired connection? And does the OS not pick up on available networks. If not there is something seriously wrong unless you are running a really really old version and I doubt that as the once I am talking about are not possible to 'download' or 'get hold of anymore' go to the terminal and do the usual ifconfig and ifconfig-nt ect ect and netstat. That will at least tell you the state of the machines Internet protocol and the state of the network?