Connecting to wireless network

I'm just getting my feet wet with Ubuntu. My Ubuntu experience with an old desktop was wonderful - nearly everything worked from the install. I'm about to jump in and install Feisty on my Dell Inspiron 4150 laptop. When I try the "live" CD things seem to be fine, but I cannot connect to my wireless network. Since a network connection is so important I think this would be a great topic for the beginner team. It is helpful that the beginner posts are written without so many "computer/Linux" words. My thanks to all who contribute their time and knowledge. Hopefully I will be able to do the same in the future.

Thank you. Yes, I agree this is an important issue ;)

I personally hard wire, but I understand.

A reminder to not be overly technical is helpful as well.

This is a much delayed thank you for your encouraging response to my post in June of '97. At that time I was sort of overwhelmed with Ubuntu and this forum. I am now more comfortable and feel less intimidated about navigating in UF. I struggled to get a wireless connection on and off since April of '07. Failed everytime, (except once when I had it and lost it). The problems were mostly of my making - I have little understanding of wireless terms etc.. Last month I installed Ubuntu 8:10, a clean install. Everything worked out of the box except the wireless. When I installed the driver for my wireless card Ubuntu took over and BINGO - I was wireless at last. My heartfelt thanks to those programmers who addressed the wireless problem and solved it.