Setting Up Wireless - Ubuntu 8.10

The problem is that Network Manager isn't there... which is why I'm now reinstalling.
via @Ubuntu101

Instead of going this extent, to the point of needing to reinstall one more time, just to see the Network Manager on Ubuntu, in order to be able to tweak the settings to work with your current wireless setup. I would first suggest connecting your machine into a wired network, whether it be at home, or a library, possibly even a Internet Cafe. Once you are connected you can usually update your Ubuntu Box via the wired connection and get the most recent distro updates. In simpler terms once you get the most up to date software from Ubuntu, many of the problems you may face in the early stages may of been solved. Now connecting to a wired network is one way, perhaps you cannot do that so below we will explore other options.

Possible Solutions besides a complete reinstall:

• Using Windows system via Wubi
• Order An Ubuntu Disk and Upgrade
• Already using Ubuntu - Follow the Tutorial.
  

Option A: Using a Windows System with Wubi, to add Ubuntu through the User Friendly Installer.

Run Wubi, insert a password for the new account, and click "install". The installation process from this point is fully automatic. The installation files (700MB) will be downloaded and checked, after which you will be asked to reboot. Do so and select Ubuntu at the boot screen. The installation will continue for another 10-15 minutes and the machine will reboot again. This is it. Now you can select Ubuntu at the boot screen and start using it.
via The Wubi Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Option B: Order an Ubuntu Disk And Upgrade

This is pretty straight forward, each person can simply request them from Shipit and receive a burned copy within 6-8 weeks and then follow the procedure outlined there. Once that is done the hope is that will solve it. If it doesn't keep reading.

Option C: If you are already using Ubuntu it's even Easier using the Network Manager following the tutorial below.

Network Manager aims for Network Connectivity which "Just Works". The computer should use the wired network connection when it's plugged in, but automatically switch to a wireless connection when the user unplugs it and walks away from the desk. Likewise, when the user plugs the computer back in, the computer should switch back to the wired connection. The user should, most times, not even notice that their connection has has been managed for them; they should simply see uninterrupted network connectivity.

More information about Network Manager is available in Gnome website and wiki .

via The Tutorial

Try those options and see how they find you, I will update this later, share your experience.