EDIT - 25 Feb 2009: Lenny was released a couple weeks ago and this tutorial is no longer how these things get done. Sure, you can, but it's even easier now, if you can believe it. When I wrote this quick tutorial up it was just to get something out there for folks until Lenny was released. Furthermore, should you require assistance with wireless from a net install, I got you covered.

Let's set up our wireless firmware (or drivers) our video drivers and our webcam (web cam) drivers right now. It's a whole lot easier than you may have heard, like when my Dad told me that landscaping was hard. Pffft. What a softie he was ;)

We're in the command line for this quick task. Relax, it's a whole lot easier than trying to get cozy with that ravishing beauty at the end of the bar.

Don't forget to add non-free to your repository addresses, like:

# <editor> /etc/apt/sources.list

deb http://ftp.us.debian.org/debian/ lenny main contrib non-free 
deb-src http://ftp.us.debian.org/debian/ lenny main contrib non-free 

We're using module-assistant a lot here because it's just so sweet. If you don't have it installed, go ahead and install it llike this: # apt-get install module-assistant. After it's installed, get it ready like this:

# m-a prepare
# m-a update

Go on, we'll wait...

Wireless

$ lspci (to ascertain manufacturer which will let you learn which driver)

for Atheros: madwifi (also see This)

# m-a a-i madwifi
# modprobe ath_pci

for Broadcom: b43-fwcutter

# apt-get install b43-fwcutter
# modprobe b43

for Intel : firmware-iwlwifi

# apt-get install firmware-iwlwifi
# modprobe iwl4965

To get your wireless connection up and running after installing the right firmware or drivers I like to use wicd. Add the following repository to your /etc/apt/sources.list:

deb http://apt.wicd.net/ debian extras

# apt-get install wicd

Check out the following screenshots of wicd, it's a snap to use and wpa is effortless.

linux-uvc For HP webcams, for example

# m-a a-i linux-uvc
# aptitude install libpt-1.11.2-plugins-v4l2
# modprobe uvcvideo linux-uvc

gspca For just about all the rest

# m-a a-i gspca
# modprobe gspca

Let's get nvidia, ATI, or the right driver for your detected video system by using this most excellent and handy Sidux script: sgfxi

Run the following as root: #

cd /usr/local/bin;wget -Nc techpatterns.com/sgfxi;chmod +x sgfxi;sgfxi -h

Read the descriptions for each option; wicked easy

BONUS: Thanks developers; if you bought one of those Triple-E-PC bad-boys, Debian has all you need, badda-bing. Search for eeepc in aptitude, apt-get, synaptic, whatever. I think the only issue is the web cam, not positive.

--machiner, 16aug08

Remember, comments are not for support issues, for that kind of thing please check the forum. It's handy, low-key, and a valuable resource. Rock on.