My internet doesnt connect wirelessly! PLEASE HELP?

[bijx]

I am generally computer savvy and i know my way around a ton of problems, but one that has always caught me was the internet problems. i use an acer aspire running windows 7 and whenever i try connecting wirelessly to my internet, it gives me this image: http://i.imgur.com/EHxVqNm.png

I now have to connect with an ethernet cable and it is ok but i need the range and to be able to connect to a public network. There is also a light on my laptop that tells me if i have wireless turned on and it wont light up even though i turned it on.

My warranty has finished and i need help please! thank you

[Alexa]

Do you have a wireless router? Sounds obvious I know but you would be surprised how many people don't realise that some don't come in with the modem.

If you do and have rebooted it and still not working, check your hardware. If it won't light up, find it in the list of installed hardware under control panel and run diagnostic/repair function. It will have a button for that. Your hardware might need replacing. Also try updating all your drivers in case the problem lies there.

[JimDandy]

Two obvious possibilities leap to mind.
1) I'm assuming that since you're computer savvy (and I'll give you points for spelling savvy correctly), you've got a wireless access point or router with a built-in wireless access point. But, if you don't, then go buy one. If you have one, then make sure the wireless radio in the router is turned on. Some routers and wireless access points come from the store with the radio turned off.

2) I believe the Acer Aspire laptops have a physical switch which turns the wireless radio on and off. Look along the edge of the laptop for a slide switch. Its a small, often overlooked slide switch. If the laptop doesn't have a physical switch, then its definitely got a soft switch on one of the function keys. Press and hold the Fn key while you press the soft switch and you should get a popup dialog for turning the wireless radio on. The HP laptops have a physical switch on the bevel above the keyboard, so if you can't find a switch elsewhere, look there too. About the only thing I can be sure of is that it won't be on the front or back of the screen, and it won't be on the bottom of the laptop.

When the wireless radio is off, you will see that message "No connections are available".