Choosing wireless networks

[OdinsDream]

I've begun using a wireless card, but I am not too sure about a few things:

If I am in an area with lots of wireless networks (as is often the case on campus...) then the card tends to go with the strongest connection. I'd like to have a choice, however, much like the familiar wireless tools for Windows.

So, is there a way to list all of the currently-detected wireless networks, and choose the correct network?

Also, as far as network sniffing goes, I'm unable to sniff any packets if I don't bring the interface up first. This seems counter-productive, since I have to guess at the IP address, subnet, etc...before even connecting to the network.
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s/(?<!gnu\/)linux(?! kernel)/GNU\/Linux/gi

Don't blame me. I didn't vote for him.

http://john.simplykiwi.com

[quikchaos]

I stumbled across this site. Looks like quite a collection of WiFi proggies. Not sure if they will be of any use. But hey, what the hell.

http://www.monolith81.de/software_linux.htm