Linux Mint set up for absolute beginners

Hardware Compatibility
1

I recently bought a Linux Mint computer. How do I connect it to my internet connection and set up mullvard VPN? Thank you

2

Hi, If you have a standard Internet connection, all you should need to do to get connected is plug one end of a cat-5 network cable into your Internet router as supplied by your Internet Service Provider (say BT?) and the other end into your computer. There shouldn’t be any configuration needed beyond that for a basic connection.

Can I ask “why” you would want to connect up a VPN?

hth

3

My internet router is in a different room. What should I do? Thank you

4

Ok, so you have a number of options, all of these would be identical and are not related to whether you are using Linux or anything else (such as Windows);

  1. Run a long cable between rooms
  2. Investigate whether your computer has WiFi, if it does this should be relatively easy to set up.
  3. Invest in a pair of “ethernet over power” adapters. You can get these on Amazon and are made by a number of vendors, for example TP-Link TL-PA4010P KIT AV600. Typical prices range from ~ £30.

Note: do NOT try to plug a network cable directly into a mains socket, please make sure you read and understand the instructions that come with the power adapters before you plug anything in.

5

I have tried with the TP link and it still doesn’t work.

How to I check the computer accepts WiFi?

Thank you

6

Check the specification for the computer, see if it quotes “WiFi” as a feature.

7

Where can I find the specification?

Thank you

8

Ok, somewhere on the computer will be a brand name / make / model … put that information into Google and it should lead you to a specification. Failing that, on the underside of the Unit will be a label with a CE mark, which should include some basic details including the manufacturer. Again, this into Google should point you in the right direction. Failing that, where did you buy it?

9

Optiplex 7010
Dell
Core i5

10

Ok, so if Google is beyond you then I would advise you find a friend with some technical expertise to help you. I’ve had a quick look and this seems to be a standard model which doesn’t include WiFi.

Unless you have a very strange house an ethernet-over-power adapter setup (like the TP link) will work for you. Your alternatives include; a long cable or to buy a WiFi adapter, something like a TP-Link 300Mbps Mini Wireless unit. (£7 on Amazon) but again, if Google is beyond you I’d be doing this via a friend with more experience.

[This is a hardware issue, not really a Linux issue]