I don't know your computer or what wireless card it uses but in general look
for 'hardware drivers' under the System menu (in Kubuntu). Plug in the
wired network connexion and see if it finds a WiFi driver. Note that
Broadcom cards require special treatment, but they will work. Setting up a
wireless network is not very intuitive but works well once configured. While
you have the RJ45 plugged in you might install wicd from the repository,
which I've found easier to work with than the built-in Network Manager.
Barring a major hardware failure it will work - easier to say afterwards I
know...