Scenario:

You’re getting the best out of the laptop, bringing it to New York to handle all your email and moviefone requests and you’re able to use someone’s wifi off and on (a weak signal) but you’d like to be able to use the ethernet cable that this place has — but it’s not connecting. Do you need to set up something in the laptop? The cable box is functioning (lights flashing, the owner insists it works for him) but you get no response, with the included cable or the one you brought. Spotlight doesn’t have anything under ethernet, so that hasn’t helped.

Answer:

One of the best features of Wifi internet is that it usually ‘Just Works’, with cables that are unknown, there’s often plenty of plugging and unplugging of power and ethernet cables to try and get the darn thing going. I find the easiest place to start troubleshooting the ethernet connection is restarting and internet devices in the home, securely plug your mac into the correct ports on the modem or router. Open Safari, and, if the web doesn’t appear, Safari will provide a small ‘Network troubleshooting’ button to help you figure out which link in the chain is broken, if you knew this it may help.
I’ve also included the ‘standard’ response to internet connection problems below, you may find it helpful too.

Connecting to the Internet

You can use the Internet Connect application to connect to the Internet using most types of connections. Use the Internet Connect application, located in the Applications folder, to dial your Internet service provider (ISP), establish a PPP over Ethernet (PPPoE) connection, connect to an AirPort network, open a connection to an 802.1x network, start a session with a Virtual Private Network (VPN), or have your AirPort Base Station connect to the Internet.
Internet Connect requires the connection settings provided by your ISP to connect to the Internet, depending on the type of connection you make. Typically these settings include a user name or user account, a password, a phone number if you are making a dial-up connection, and other settings, depending on your ISP or network.
To enter or change configuration settings, choose Edit Configurations from the Configuration pop-up menu in Internet Connect.
If you need help with settings, ask your ISP or network administrator.
If you are connected to a local area network, you might already be connected to the Internet.