1: Making sure that the wireless device is up: ifconfig [device] up

NOTE: If you are not sure, you can use ifconfig -a to see what devices you have

2: To scan for networks: iwconfig [device] scanning
3: To connect to any network: iwconfig [device] essid any
4: To connect to specific network: iwconfig [device] essid [network]
5: To set in /etc/network/interfaces (bootup):

auto [device]
iface [device] inet static
address [address]
network [network]
netmast [netmask]
broadcast [broadcast]
gateway [gateway]
wireless-essid [network-name]
wireless-mode Managed

NOTE: ALWAYS REMEMBER TO dhclient [DEVICE] TO GET NEW IP
TIP: SOMETIMES A DEVICE WILL REQUIRE A SPECIAL DRIVER, NOT INCLUDED IN LINUX
TIP: TRY TO AVOID CHEAP ADAPTERS, BUT YOU DON'T NEED THE MOST EXPENSIVE EITHER



TIP: REPLACE [] WITH STANDARD HYPERTEXT PROTOCOL.
TIP: REPLACE WHATEVER IS BETWEEN THE [] WITH YOUR INFORMATION.



Hope that helps!