Cannot install wifi adapter

Hello, I am still very new to Linux, am giving it another try but I cannot connect to the internet, which is crippling. I have F18, and kept getting an 'Authentication required' repeatedly on both f17 and 18, when I realized my adapter wasn't blinking. It's an Asus N10, and to my best abilities I downloaded a driver and installed it, but it still doesn't work and neither does the internet. I'm not stupid, but I am largely ignorant of basic Linux usage and quirks; any help would be greatly appreciated.

thanks, Joe