I am new to linux and tired of virus' on windows
 

I am new to linux, currently using Fedora 12, start with Ubuntu but found that it did not like my laptop much. Kept dropping the wifi signal. Although Fedora seems a little more complex I am managing to navigate it somewhat. As stated I am tired of virus' in windows just want to not have the hassles when surfing the web. I would like to get into "terminal" later as I started in DOS a long time ago. New experiences help keep older brains active.

for strictly surfing and learning, puppy is a much simpler distro to use than Fedora or Ubuntu. For long-term usage, I'd be more inclined to go with Centos.

I doubt if that is a Ubuntu or Linux issue---what is the signal strength?

I have not had a single problem with my connection with the new install of Fedora. Maybe it was a cleaner install. The signal was full to 85% before and remains the same now. I would like to thank the people that have posted on this and look forward to learning the system and be sure I will have questions the deeper I get.

Good to hear about a new convert! :)

Linux Mint might be worth a look as well. It's based on Ubuntu, but includes some added driver support and is a bit more user friendly.

I have used Ubuntu Jaunty and Karmic both on IBM R52 laptop in live mode for surfing and never had issues with wireless signals. What wireless card is with your lappy? My IBM had Intel Wireless Pro. And it is supported as well as on windows xp.
Ubuntu actually was much faster and websites took less time to load even when running from Live cd.