Wireless net book won't work

Tue Jul 13 16:00:31 UTC 2010

I upgraded my Wifes dell netbook to Ubuntu 10.4 LTS couldn't get ubuntu 
to open, gave up on it and reinstalled using a CD.  With 9.4  a little 
anteni icon came up and I clicked on it found the wireless connection My 
desktop is using and the wireless connection was made. I never have had 
to do anything to get the connection so I have no idea what to do to 
create one.  Been looking for some help on line. Can someone help or 
give me a link to some help.  Thanks  Doug