Chapter 1. NetworkManager

Ubuntu now uses NetworkManager to manage network connections. NetworkManager attempts to make the process of connecting invisible, whilst allowing finer manual control where necessary.

Many security protocols are supported: WEP, WPA/WPA2, WPA-Enterprise/WPA2-Enterprise, 802.1x, VPN

NetworkManager also keeps passwords secure by utilising the user's keyring to store passphrases.

[Important]

Network Manager is the little icon in the system notification area in the top right of your screen. It looks like two over-lapping computer screens or four blue or grey stepped bars (when connected wirelessly).

  1. Left click for automatic functions, such as connecting to a network.

  2. Right click for manual control and to disable or enable connections.