Thanks Edna,

The WEP Key (This assumes you have some form of security running on your Linksys.)  WEP and WPA-PSK are the two primary methods of "securing" the transimission from your laptop to the Router.  The WEP KEY will be a hex or text based series of characters (the number of which depending on your level of security i.e. 64, 128, etc)  Most Routers allow you to define 4 seperate Keys.  The Key Index just specifies which one has been seletected for use on the router.  (These and perhaps the SSID (if you have a lot of neighbors with wireless) are probably what your Son was referring to.

 

If you are using the Dell Wireless WLAN card utility, you can tell which form of security you are using by clicking on Wireless Networks, Preferred Network, Properies, and then take a look at the Network Authentication driop down box.  This will say what form (if any) secuirty you are running on the Wireless Side.

 

Again, this is NOT required for direct connection via Ethernet cable to your Son's Laptop.

 

LT