Wireless network problem

Hi Everyone.

I have a problem I hope one of you can help me with if possible.

I have just bought a laptop with Netgear wireless card plugged it in works fine gets onto internet great.
The problem I'm having is that whenever i update anything it says 'can't find connection' . It's the same with all software that needs registering online.

I use broadband and it's working fine but I've never configured my network settings on the laptop.

Can anyone help????????

Thanks

Which operating system, e.g. XP, Mac, Vista?

Is the wireless card activated at the time you do the updates ? Many cards will power down after about 10 minutes of inactivity to save power.