You must have some sort of internet/broadband connection - else how are you able to view and post on the forum
How provides your telephone line ?
Is it BT ?
Somewhere near where the phone line comes into your house there will be a box, hopefully with a blue light showing it's active.
If it's BT then it looks like this:-
Sounds to me like you computer's WiFi system is not "connected" to your telephone line - yet it must be, as you can access this forum and hence the internet.
OR
Is your computer connected to your phone line box (router) by cable - something like this box ^^^
Seems to me you need someone to come round to your house and explain what your setup is and get you into a position where you have an idea of what's what.
A couple of weeks back it was suggested that you might try an Apple iPad.
Did you get any further with looking into iPads ?
You're a bit far from me for a visit, but there must be someone nearer who can help.
Installing a new hard disc may get your computer working - but it needs to be set up to do things you want to do.
Can anyone nearer help - form a queue at John's front door (memories of the gas men from the Monty Python sketch).