Firefox cannot find website servers, what is wrong?

Question

Recently, I tried to access the internet using Firefox. I have a good wifi signal according to the toolbar at the top, but Firefox says "Firefox can't find the server atwww.example.com." I tried disabling UFW, but that did nothing. What exactly is happening that is preventing Firefox from accessing the internet, and how can I fix this issue?

I'm using Ubuntu 12.10, and the machine is a Compaq Presario CQ62.

NOTE: Just before the issue, Firefox installed an update. Also, I did not use the computer for a month or so before this issue, and the last time I used it there was no such issue.

Answer 1

Your question is quite generic, so here are some tips:

• Have you checked your Firefox's network settings?
  • What about proxy settings?
  • Do you use something like Foxyproxy?
• You may try accessing the web from different tool/browser (Chrome, wget). Is it working?
  • If no, it problem in your network connection and not firefox itself.
• Execute following command to check the DNS lookup: "nslookup www.example.com"

It would be nice having more information. So I just hope that this will help a little...