I think the subject line covers my problem. Of course, let me know if it's unclear. Thanks
(wired connection works fine)

The problem is clear, but the information is lacking. See "How to ask a Question" in my signature for information on how to provide adequate information for anyone to help you

It would help for a start if we knew your distribution and what network manager you are using.

I tend to disable network managers and go old school. Which is sometimes the only solution if your wifi driver is quirky.

# systemctl stop NetworkManager
# kill -9 $(pgrep wpa_supplicant)

# ip link set wlan0 up
# wpa_password ESSID PASSWORD > wpa.conf
# wpa_supplicant -Dnl80211,wext -iwlan0 -cwpa.conf

# dhclient -4 -v wlan0

# nano /etc/resolv.conf
(if the default DNS sucks / it often does)

Not for the meek, but one way to get there from here.

# iw dev wlan0 list

# iwlist wlan0 scanning

To discover available networks and their details. Otherwise check dmesg and /var/log/syslog or $(journalctl -a) to see any gripes your system might have about the process / drivers. Like missing firmware or missing drivers (curse you rtl8723de).

1. "push" is android (or mobile) speak. maybe a change of perception is required?
2. i had a similar problems once, and it was a router setting - it blocked the machine from using wifi.

thanks everyone for taking the time to reply and for your patience with a newbie - yesterday was my first day with Linux and with this forum. I have to wait until tomorrow to follow up on the suggestions, but didn't want to wait to say thanks. I have a humble Asus laptop and have been disgusted with it's performance using Windows 10. In just the short time I've been using Linux the difference is staggering - but that's probably and old story for you all.

It would help us a lot to know which of the many linux distros are you using?

It may not actually be asking for your user password, but for the details for your network connection.