trouble running downloaded programs requiring internet access

I just bought a new Inspiron 700m and I have no problems accessing the internet on my wireless ADSL connection, however when I try to execute or log on downloaded programs such as MSN, Skype, and an antispyware program Spybot, it fails to get connection to the internet. The strength on the wireless network connection is stated as 'excellent', however, the log-in screens show the programs are connecting, but nothing happens. Even if I try to shut them on the task manager (using Ctrl+alt+del) and I click 'end task' on the 'program is not responding' window that opens, the program fails to close. Therefore, I am forced to manually shut down the computer by holding down the 'on' button everytime. I am not too sure where exactly the problem is. Is it a network connection problem, or hardware? I don't know what I can do about this.