Linux Mint wifi

Linux Mint wifi

I'm running Linux Mint 15 Xfce on a Compaq Presario desktop from 2009. I
can't seem to get the wifi working. Rather than ask a general question,
here's a simple question:
If
$> iwlist wlan0 scanning
returns all the wireless networks available, that means that my wifi card
is working, nyet?
So, if that's true, then the problem is that I'm just not setting it up
properly, isn't that so?
Lastly, is it a mistake to try to set up a wireless connection on Mint by
configuring files, rather than use their GUI wireless system (which seems
not to work properly)? This is for my girlfriend who wants to try linux. I
personally use slackware, but I thought I'd try Mint for her cause it's
supposed to be so easy.
My slackware config parameters fail on Mint.
Oy.
TIA
Edit: I posted this 2 minutes ago and I've already gotten -2. If you're
going to downcheck me, I'd appreciate a note on how I could ask this is a
better way.