Computer question re: wireless internet

[rubio_higuey]

If you need to test your wifi connection, try to go to sturbucks... most of them have free wifi connection (or some McDonalds)
you can even go to a paid wifi spot (e.g. Boingo)... all you need to do is to connect, if you get login/pay window you ARE connected and you're all set

do a google search for wifi locations nearby (e.g. keywords: "wifi hotspots")
e.g.
http://hotspotr.com/wifi
http://www.openwifispots.com/
http://www.wi-fihotspotlist.com/

You can also address your issues in the following tech support forums
(you may want to describe in detail what you have already tried, as per advices on this forum, so as not to get the same advice repetitively)

Free Computer Help : Cyber Tech Help
http://forums.techguy.org
www.techsupportforum.com
http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg
http://club.cdfreaks.com

 

[apostropheman]

Thanks to all for the help!

I have solved the connectivity issue I was having...finally!

After trying everything I could think of, working closely with 2 knowledgeable friends, reading everything that Google had to offer AND doing everything suggested here I still could not connect through my router.

It seemed obvious that the issue centered around the router; the software configuration or the hardware itself. We had verified that all the hardware was working, the software settings seemed to be set correctly, the wiring was fine, etc...but still no joy.

Not one to give up I reset both the DSL modem and the wireless router to factory settings, verified that they worked with other computer and tried the IBM on other sources of wireless signals without success.

Finally I tried reinstalling XP. I have a variety of XP versions and finally hit on one that let me connect "right out of the box"!

XP PRO Service Pack 3 (x86).

I have no clear idea why it worked but it is a very recent release. Whatever the reason I am thrilled to finally have my new toy working properly!

The beauty of it is that I have only the IBM "Power Manager" software installed separately. I find their software generally unappealing and "clunky" although this program is very useful for maintaining and caring for your battery.

The bottom line is not to give up and keep trying different things, approached logically (I hope :cheeky, until the solution is found.

Thanks again to all who offered their assistance!