How can I get my wireless adapter to work on my Linux Mandrake 9.2?
Please, help so that I can dump Windows in the trash!

USB seems to be an issue. Look at this thread;
http://www.linuxcompatible.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=911

When it comes to wireless you have less chance of getting usb stuff to work. there are a few wireless pci cards that will do the job. Here's one that uses the prism "drivers" and is reported to work under Linux. I have a work station I may soon switch over to wireless as the wire from the router to the pc is a very long run, and I'm loosing signal. If I do, I'll probably go with an Orinico Gold card in a pci slot. That way, I know it will work.