Problem with network card on laptop (might need recommendation for a new one)

Every time I connect to a wireless network on my laptop (regardless of whether it is my own wireless network at home or at school), it will say it is connected and it has a strong signal, but when I initially load up the web browser, it doesn't connect. I have to constantly open and close the web browser and after a couple of minutes, it is finally actually connected.

What is going on? Do I just have a bad network card? What can I do about it? If there is nothing I can do, can you give me a recommendation on which one to get (or brands that are good)?

Also, I have some sort of card slot on the left side of my laptop. If I get a new network card, do I replace the network card that is on the bottom of my laptop or do I just insert the new card into the slot and it will automatically configure it?

Thanks.

Cheers.

It could be your browser, have you tried pinging? tht's a good start

start > run > cmd > ping (your ip address)

chances are if you got a new network card it would slide in the slot.

Ciao.