As suggested I tried using modprobe to remove the module.

The first time i tried this Wicd scanned and showed 2 available networks both at 100% signal which was pretty exciting, until I realised something wasn't quite right with that. i connect to my landlords wireless which shouldn't be showing ...

Yes, and Google says your chipset is supported by Linux. To be sure you have this chipset please post the output of lspci | grep Atheros
lspci | grep Atheros produces:
Ethernet controller: Atheros Communications Inc. AR2413 802.11bg NIC (rev 01)


@Gapan
Thanks for the advice, I'll have a go ...

That indeed may be a driver issue. Do you know if Ubuntu Karmic uses a more recent kernel?
Used uname -r to show kernel version.

Ubuntu Kernel is 2.6.31-23-generic.
Salix kernel is 2.6.33.4-smp. (That makes it later right?)

In addition to loosing the wireless I also get freezes when I start ...

Hi I have pretty limited command line skills but I'm hoping someone can help me.

I just installed Salix13.1.2 fluxbox and I'm having a problem with the wireless.

It connects initially to my usual router but then shortly thereafter drops the connection and cannot detect any wireless networks at all ...