The netinst CD leaves a lot to be desired. I had to download a nonfree
wifi firmware package with my tablet and install it just to get the
Linux system on the laptop to recognize the wifi adapter. I still
can't get the wifi to work which makes installation impossible. Many
of the network related commands do not exist. I cannot just download a
package without being able to connect the laptop to the Internet which
is impossible if I can't get a wifi connection. I am using Debian 10.4
Buster on a laptop that uses an Intel Centrino Duo CPU. My wifi
adapter is registering as wlp3s0. Each "package" to be installed
requires the single use of a blank DVD to transfer the file to Linux.
I have a very limited number of blank DVDs. It is up, but down,
according to ip addr. It says no carrier. The wifi is on and
available. The signal strength is sufficient. It is presently offering
an open wifi access point. The ssid is correct. How do I fix this? I
cannot connect a phone or any other device to the laptop to help "get
it started," nor should I need to. The netinst CD should have
everything a new user could need to get things working.
name=Matthew%20Campbell&email=trenix25%40pm.me