So, on Ubuntu on this netbook (Eee 901) the network manager applet is currently telling me it's not connected to a wired network (true) and I can pick between one mobile broadband network (T-Mobile via the stick) and three wireless networks (the one here plus two neighbours'). Switching between them is a matter of pressing a 'radio button' in its dialogue.

In a minute, I will unplug the stick, because it draws quite a bit of current = lower battery life, and I'm doing this via the home network on the grounds it's free and I know its password :)