Wireless strength excellent, yet internet so slow or not working

[shari]

I have 3 other computers (macs & pcs) and a play station 3 all woking beautifully on my wireless network at home. It is only my laptop (pc) that is having a problem. The signal says excellent, yet the internet is slow, or never loads. BUT I log on to other wireless networks with no problem whatsoever, all over the place. What's the deal? What should I look for?
Do you need more info? Thanks for any ideas!
Shari

[Variable]

Make sure the laptop is joining your network and not someone elses. If the other machines work fine wirelessly and the laptop is not. The first thing to check is if it is connected to the network at all. Signal strength has to do with the connection from the laptop to the wireless router. It doesn't have anything to do with speed of the internet connection or if you are even connected to the internet. It is a measure of "potential."

[mjc]

Also the final speed you connect to a wireless network is not just dependent upon the 'signal strength'...two other factors are commonly used, also. The 'noise'. A strong signal on a 'noisy' channel could connect at a lower speed than a much weaker signal on a clear channel. The other is what type of wireless...b/g/n? Check the wireless card's properties and make sure it is not set to use B only...that would limit the maximum rate at which it could connect (if it is at least a g capable card).

[shari]

Thank you both for your answers. First, to clarify, I can get on the internet but sometimes I can only get a certain site--like dictionary.com but when I try to click on a word it won't load--or, it's painfully slow. Once in a blue moon it might work altogether for a short time.

So, I think I'm connected--I see my wireless connection sending packets---would that mean I am?

And, if the b/g/n...could I have only b available to me? I think I see an option for 802.11b but not a and not a &b---is that what you're referring to? Do I need an update card? My pc must be 2.5 or 3yrs old by now....
thanks!

[mjc]

A 802.11b will be slower than g, but it should still be faster than what you are describing. The bottleneck has to be somewhere in that particular machine if the others are connecting fine. If you are running XP on any of the other machines, and on the laptop, compare the settings...