[Ubuntu] was much easier to get the network working this time around. I ended up using NDIS to install the windows drivers for my [Netgear WN121T] using the driver links in this [post]. Painless.
I had to stop the x-server to install the [NVIDIA] drivers with “sudo /etc/init.d/gdm stop” [source].
[Mania Drive] is a great way to test if 3D is working after installing the video drivers.
To install [VMWare] download the bundle and then follow [these community steps].