wireless internet connection

[oranges]

My laptop is enabled for a wireless internet connection, but it says there isn't one in range. However my friends laptop immediately picks up an unsecured connection from my house. Why can't my laptop find it? Thank you

[mattie]

Check that your laptop doesn't have a switch or button on the case to switch on your wireless adapter.

I have been caught out a few times by this.

Also, when you get it working, set some encryption on the router, or your neighbours will be getting free internet access.