How do identify an Arduino counterfeit?

Building a prototype of Internet of Things technology using Arduino. How to solve the following issues?

• I am a second year student currently pursuing B.Tech in IT. I am an android,iOS and web developer.But I am very bad with electronics and related subjects. Its the last day of the semester that I study them and clear them. But one day and Idea struck my mind. When I though about it. I came across an architecture that would require a hardware product built. I researched about it and came to know that it is called Internet of things technology (It requires internet of course). I searched about Arduino, downloaded the compiler, saw the codes and they were easy to pick up. I then bought an arduino duemanilove board from a market in delhi. That was not sufficient I then tried searching for Wi-Fi Module because Ethernet fails in my case. I didn't find it yet. So then I got a GSM/GPS module/shield for my arduino. I tried to run the sample codes - they don't work. I have spent roughly 6K so far but to no avail. Is there any way I could group up with like minded people and share my idea with them so that we can pool in money and work on that Idea. Because being a student its tough for me to buy so much of Costly hardware. Any suggestions would be helpful.

• Answer:

  1. As far as Wi-Fi module is concerned, try Texas Instrument's CC3000 (you'll have to get the supporting hardware for it). 2. As far as sample codes are concerned, make sure the pins that are referred in the code match your actual hardware.(That's the thing where I got stuck)       Try teaming up with your college students, if they are interested because you can't get around the cost of these things(unless someone you know or your college already has them, in which case you can just issue it).            Try looking up on internet (Arduino forum would be a nice place to start) for like minded people in your area.