getting set up in Italy
 

Sorry if this is a very basic question for you guys but what I'd like to know is this- exactly what do I need to use the web and email on a conventional laptop with a mobile in Italy.I have an Italian Wind simcard but only a very old Nokia mobile.Broadband is not available in my area unfortunately.

I hope your old Nokia supports GPRS, at least, otherwise you won't use much data...

If it supports GPRS just create a remote connection on Windows using *99# as number to dial. Then go in the advanced settings of the modem (i.e. the mobile phone) and add this string:
DNS for Wind are: 212.245.255.2

Of course it's a good idea to activate one of the 4 data offers of Wind.

Many thanks for this info. I'll have to check out my Nokia but I'm not optimistic. I've stuck with this really old model because it's so reliable and doesn't need recharging every night but perhaps I'll have to upgrade.
What are DNS please?

DNS: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dns
You need them to resolve the internet addresses.