Ok - assuming that you stick with 11, to solve the logging on thing with wireless:
Right click the network icon to pop open the menu and open the main interface
Select your wireless network and choose the "Edit" button
In the new window that opens are two checkboxes, one at the top "Connect automatically" and one at the bottom "Allow anyone to use" (Or something like that). Make sure that they are both checked.
Save (if necessary) and close. In future you shouldn't have to do anything to connect wirelessly. It should all now be automatic.
NB. I don't actually use a network manager, so I'm working from memory a lot here. It should be enough to get you looking in the right place, even if I've not got it exactly right, though.
re v!2 not working - do you know what wireless adapter/chipset you have? It may be that the firmware has been dropped and you need to copy it back.