i did it!!! w00t!! lol

http://oreillynet.com/pub/wfg/4599

ok go to that site for the info but here is what to do to connect to the internet with a wireless card.

open terminal:

type - su root
then type - iwconfig ath0 key xxxxxxxxxxx
then type - iwconfig ath0 essid "Network Name"

that finishes setting up the card

then type - iwconfig ath0

this shows all your card info

then type - pump -i ath0

your card will then send a DHCP packet to any wireless access point near you telling it its info. after that it should connect and youll be surfing the net like I am right now.

this was all done on a Linksys WPC55AG and good ole' knoppix.
( which for some reason wont boot right and other times will on my computer, lol )

good luck everyone else hope you figure your cards out also