How NetworkManager Helps Make Wireless Connections in Linux

NetworkManager is a desktop applet designed for Linux computers that roam between networks. Similar to connection managers for Windows or Mac computers, NetworkManager provides a graphical user interface (GUI) for configuring different types of connections and support for easily switching between them.

To set up NetworkManager, you first enter the standard configuration information specific to each type of network and give each a descriptive name. Then, whenever your Linux computer is disconnected from its Ethernet interface, NetworkManager automatically searches for networks matching its configured list and may also automatically connect to them based on your preferences. This applet supports Wi-Fi, cellular and VPN wireless links. Without it, you must typically use the Linux command line and scripts to manage wireless network connections, which may seem cool at first but gets boring fast.

→ More - Linux NetworkManager (gnome.org)
→ See also - Linux GUI vs. Command Line (linux.about.com)

Linux GNOME NetworkManager - Graphic: projects.gnome.org/networkmanager