when I download from the net I get a download window. In this window it
states how fast or how many bites have been downloaded. If it's not
downloading anything it still will sit there and wait for the connection
before cancelling the download.

The results you are getting are the same results one gets while
connecting to a free WiFi connection at Micky Dees. That is unless you
start the browser first and accept the TOS AT&T requires for you to use
the free service.

So the answer is no. Synaptics will give the connection time to respond.
This can be many minutes before it tells you about the connection
problem. Before you start updating check with the browser for a
connection that works, then start your update when you see all is
working. For the record, Your WiFi hardware and the router may have made
the connection and be communicating but if a router firewall or fee page
keeps the data from making it to your computer downloads won't happen.
Sometimes resetting the router helps with this problem. Because
hardwires don't have the same security checks they typically just work.
This too can have problems if there is a software issue. The answer is
the same, restart the router.

A story. I was at a rest stop in NM that advertised free wifi. I could
not connect so I asked if the service was down. The attendant restarted
the router and I no longer had trouble connecting. 99% of the time I
have no problems connecting to a variety of wifi hotspots. I never
connect for any reason using MS Windows because I don't like taking that
kind of risk. So Yes I only connect using Ubuntu Linux.