If after installing Kubuntu you are having a problem getting to the local network (Samba Shares) then follow the bouncing iBook (not really but several times I felt like it). 😉
Mouse over the bar with the Home Files and Personal Folder (Kicker Panel) and such in it, Right Click over an unused space and in the menu that is presented go up to Add Applet to panel. Once the window comes up, scroll down and highlite Network Folders and click on Add to Panel.  It should put an icon with a globe with a network line at the bottem somewhere in the Kicker Panel.  Once you find it click on it and if you already have the Samba Shares default name and password set, you should be able to see and access your local network.

Oh the hours and hair that this little nothing has cost me!  So simple and yet so stupid to not include it in a default configuration.

On the iBook, wireless and able to access stuff off the other machines on the local network.  Now if only Skype would make a version for linux on the ppc. 🙁