by djennings » Feb 8th, '12, 14:29
First thing to do is get internet connected via Ethernet
Secondly define your on line repositories using MageiaControlCentre>Software>Media. Add a full set of sources and ensure the NonFree and NonFree Updates repositories are ticked as enabled. While you are there you may as well enable Tainted and Tainted Updates (for packages restricted in some countries due to patents)
Third, do your updates using MageiaControlCentre>Software>Updates (I know there have been some updates to do with wifi devices, but do not know if yours is one of the ones affected.)
Fourth, while still connected to Ethernet go to MageiaControlCentre>Network>AddNetworkConnection and run through the GUI to add a new wireless connection (If you had already done that previously remove the old connection first.) It will download the necessary firmware from the net and should set it all up for you.
If all goes well you should now have a working wifi connection.