I have part of the problem solved, but now with a new problem:
My mistake on the above was that I should have re-booted after:

When I re-boot, the system tries to build the modules library using...

I have searched through the ubuntu forums for the correct driver for this and since the card is pcmcia, i have done the requisite fiddleing with "yenta_socket.ko" without result.

The chip in the...

Your problem description is not very clear, but I'll try to answer some of it the best I can:
1. 2 swaps are not necessary. 1 swap is all you need (if it's large enough - raw ram x 2). Whichever...

Did you add ubuntu repository to /etc/apt/sources? If you did, I suggest a clean install of BT5, as ubuntu sources can break BT. I assume your home and boot (grub) are on separate partition, so:
...

I am fairly good at linux/unix but just starting out with wifi topics.

I have installed BT5R1 on two laptops: #1 Toshiba Tecra 8200, #2 Sony Vaio PCG-SR71.
The Tecra has an internal wifi, while...