My computer is making me crazy. I dont know the answers for my connection.HELP?

Everything is taking too long to load. If i click on a category in yahoo q and a it takes at least thirty to sixty seconds. If I check my email it takes forever. I use Mozilla Firefox. Ninety percent of the time I get the YOUR CONNECTION HAS TIMED OUT message and have to resend.

Others have told me to check my connection.

Here is my dilemna.

I dont know how.

This is my bosses computer

I dont know the account number or who to call

I am using a Toshiba laptop Satellite

When I want to go on the Internet I click on VZ Access Manager

It asks do I want to connect. I click yes.

It takes me to Mozilla Firefox.

There is a thing for bars and the most I can get anywhere in my house is 2.

Verizon is involved somehow.

I want to use Thunderbird for my default email but I dont know who my ISP is. This computer was already up and running when the boss gave it to me.

I am really going crazy waiting for any and all links taking so long. This is supposed to be a fast computer. Help if you can. Thanks