Übergibson

On Ubuntu 6.06 Dapper Drake, the GUI networking helper tool is basically worthless.

If there’s an open network near you and you just want on the meganet:

sudo iwconfig rausb0 essid any
Where 'rausb0' is the device name of the wifi doodad you're trying to get to work. If you don't know what your stuff is called, executing iwconfig by itself will give you a list. The 'essid any' piece connects to whatever open network possible.

Then:

sudo dhclient rausb0
That sets dhclient loose on the interface to hook you up with an IP, a gateway, and some DNS type shit. Happy trails.