Unless you have Set up a WiFi Internet Connection using the Network Icon as explained in Absolute Beginners - A Guide to tweaking Easy Mode with wizards, the wireless connection doesn't start automatically. In most cases, this can be fixed easily as set out below.

If the steps outlined below don't always work, in other words, if you can connect manually but have problems connecting automatically on boot, also try following this wiki article.

• In the Internet Tab, click the Network icon
• Click the access point you want to connect to
• Click the Properties button
• In the General tab, look for Start Mode (at bottom) and select 'On Boot'
• OK, OK

• Set up full desktop mode if you haven't already.
• Click the 'Network Connections' icon in the system tray (next to the Lock icon).
• 'Configure Network Connections…'
• Select your usual network and click 'Properties…'
• Start mode: 'On Boot'
• OK to all

The above didn't work for me as there was no properties button. If this is the same with you try this:

• CTRL + ALT + T to open a console
• type konqueror
• press enter
• When the new window appears choose the Applications link
• Choose Control Center
• Choose Network Centre
• Choose the connection you wish to change
• Click the Properties button
• In the General tab, look for Start Mode (at bottom) and select 'On Boot'
• OK, Yes (to restart interface), OK

If your Eee fails to connect on startup or is very slow to connect, try following the instructions in this forum thread