Dpkg keep saying that need to --configure -a while trying for network issues on Inspiron 1545

Dpkg keep saying that need to --configure -a while trying for network
issues on Inspiron 1545

I've just installed ubuntu for the first time on a computer (version
12.10). I can't figure out how to get a wired connection to work OR a
wireless connection.
I've read similar problems, and I've tried the other recommended fixes (at
least those that I could figure out), and none of them have worked. Most
of the time the terminal just gives me an error when I try to type in the
message others recommend.
I see a lot of people recommending to type this in:
sudo apt-get remove bcmwl-kernel-source
This gives me an error message that says:
E: dpkg wasa interrupted, you must manually run 'sudo dpkg --configure -a'
to correct the problem.
So, outside of recommending that fix, what are some other options? I'm
using another computer to ask this question.