Hi, I am not only new to Linux, but not a pro in anyway w/computers.
I am running Ubuntu release 10.04 on my netbook and use Firefox for web browsing.

I also use noscript, which I like a lot. I connect to the internet using wlan, password protected to residents of one building.

Yesterday turning on my computer, the modem applet was gone and the modem was disabled.

To someone inexperienced as I am, that was a big deal, for it not only to be disabled, but to see the applet gone that allows me to re enable it.

It took me four hours to figure out how to get my modem back on. The page error or message said it could not find my wlan, I think, if I remember.

To enable it, I went into F2 setup upon rebooting computer. There I found that all internet connection means were enabled except Wlan, which was disabled. I fixed that.

I can not figure out how to return an applet for my wlan network manager to the panel on my desk top. To connect, I set the internet connection to automatically launch when I start my computer, which I don't like. Otherwise, I can't access my network manager, can't connect.

Also without the applet, I have no pull down showing all the wifi spots in my area.

I would love to figure out how to return the applet or item to the panel. So that is question #1.

#2 is, why did it disappear in the first place? The last session I had before turning off the computer, turning it on and finding no Wlan, was not normal. During that session a new item just appeared on the panel. It was one to "connect to server" with a picture of the earth/globe. Clicking on that went to a full page Home Depot ad. I was surprised because I didn't add this to the panel. I didn't visit Home Depot and so on. I removed it and shut down the computer. Next time I turned on the computer there was no network manager, no panel icon for it, and Wlan was disabled.

#3 While trying to figure it out, I stumbled on this item. Is this normal?

file:///usr/share/hal/fdi/information/10freedesktop/10-dell-rfkill-switch-wlan.fdi

Is this a kill and disable switch for my wlan? Also, it says Dell. My computer is not Dell.

Thanks in advance for your help. Sorry I am not very knowledgeable about this stuff.

That was epiphany browser I believe. If so go to applications>internet> and select either epiphany or iceweasel for internet access. You can add to desktop or panel by right-clicking item in application>internet menu.
I hope that helped, if that's not what you meant keep posting and someone will help you get it straight.

I have something similar on my setup.

This is my workaround: Click on the startup panel and search for Networkmanager. After typing just "netw" its symbol (a crooked "N") will be shown below the search line. Drag it with the mouse to the left side of the menu. If your connecting symbol on the right (the little cell-phone) is gone again, just click on the "N" and the little cell-phoneon the right will reappear. HTH.