I'm having terrible times with networking. Here's my problems:

1- Somehow through configuring networks my Synaptic now only works through command line

2- Wireless networking is a hell on earth

I've followed many tutorials, many answers, and nothing seems to work

Can someone please tell me how to answer #1 above, and also how in God's name can I get a wireless network to actually function.

I love ubuntu, but not having wireless ability is embarrassing. Please help a noob.