All USB-to-Ethernet adapters are pretty evil in my experience. Always terrible performance, often slower than WiFi.
replies(6):
(A) replace your WiFi adapter - download drivers from internet
(B) configure a router or other equipment (hard to configure WiFi without WiFi).
(C) stand up your Linux install on your laptop (easiest way to futz around until you get WiFi adapter working - but check chipset on adapter is compatible which the cheapest usually are)
You don't usually care about the performance. Just keep a cheap one in your box of shit - I need mine often enough. If you need high performance, then buy a high performance adapter.
In my case A) and B) are irrelevant because I only really own or deal with laptops now days, and they invariably have built in WiFi, but usually not built-in Ethernet!
Oddly enough, point (A) is likely more relevant in the current world of laptops. At least if you use Windows. Plugging in a supported network adapter, may that be WiFi or Ethernet, may be the only way to get through the installation process, without jumping through hurdles, then install drivers for the built-in WiFi adapter, without jumping through another set of hurdles. (I own such a laptop, though I use Linux on said laptop so the WiFi just works.)