I have a Gateway laptop. This is my first computer so I am very new with all this stuff.
My little monitor that says that I am connected and my signal strength sometimes says that its acquiring network address. I can get online fine when it says this. I am just wondering is this something that I should be worried about or is it something that I can ignore?

Hi there and welcome to PCHF

If your internet/router connection does not cut out when you see this message then I would say it's safe to ignore it. Have you updated the drivers for your wireless card in the laptop?
If you post the full model number of the laptop, we'll be able to point you towards the correct driver.