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.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

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.

There's nowhere I can't reach.