Dell Inspirion 6000 - IceWeasel can't get to internet

Thrilled to be moving back to Unix/linux environment after a couple decades of windows!! :D (Not thrilled that the trojans :evil: made the move critical as in Yesterday!!) But, don't want to reformat my HD until I know for sure that I can still have access to the internet! That is what I LOVE about the Knoppix CD OS!! Found it, downloaded it, burned it, it is bootable, and I can move files, read files, etc.

BUT IceWeasel does not connect to the internet. Searched and tried the fixes that worked for others:
I tried options and choosing autofind - still no success.
I also tried about:config and toggling the network.dns.disableIPv6 to true.
Neither worked.

Windows Device Manager gives the following for Network adapters:
1394 Net Adapter
Broadcom 440x 10/100 Integrated Controller
Intel(r) PRO/Wireless 2915ABG Network Connection

Radio is enabled in Windows, using wireless DSL - connects fine in windows

Any ideas on what else I should try?

Thanks so much for your time and consideration!!

PS - please be VERY specific with any suggestions - although I am from a DOS/Unix background decades of windows has made me VERY rusty!! Thanks again!