Belkin n300 works and then drops to 7Mbps on Zorin 8.1
 

I am new and not really computer literate but I did manage to get Zorin installed eventually. I have a Belkin N300 USB wireless adapter that runs for a while and then speed drops down to 7Mbps and computer says not connected to internet.This is actually the second adapter as I just got a new one from Staples and it does the same thing. I have the CD but it is for MS Windows, if it matters. What to do next?

Could this be a problem with your ISP? It depends are where you are located and what kind of contract you have with it. And are you saying that your network manager claims you are not connected while you still have a download speed of 7Mbps.

If you are connected then I assume the proper drivers are already installed and a CD is not necessary. What is your download speed before it goes to 7Mbs?
jdk

It is actually Google chrome that says it is not able to connect to the internet. I have other computers on my WiFi that are showing 75Mbps when this happens and they are working fine. When it happens I see fluctuations from 29-82Mbps and that seems to be the way it operates all the time. Having the other devices turned off does not seem to effect the problem and signal in system settings shows "good" signal strength. I figure the proper drivers are installed as well, for the same reason you gave. I have been using a Linksys Rangeplus adapter that is working most of the time but occasionally it drops down to 6Mbps with the same results on Chrome.
Thanks for your help.
mdd

When your speed slows down, you could try disconnecting and connecting your wifi connection and see if that restores the normal speed.
jdk