thanks steve i appreciate your advice

RJ

"so, basically, put the ethernet card in the desktop... run the cable modem to the truemobile router... run an ethernet line from the truemobile to the desktop and connect the laptop wirelessly."  Yes

You don't need the software to setup the router.  Instead use the web-based configuration utility.  See the user's manual for the router on how to do this.

Steve

so, basically, put the ethernet card in the desktop... run the cable modem to the truemobile router... run an ethernet line from the truemobile to the desktop and connect the laptop wirelessly.

I haven't connected anything yet so i know i may have a problem because the desktop is running windows ME.  I put the cd in and it came up with the message that reads "you need xp or windows 2000."  How can i get around this?

This would require that your ISP allow you to obtain 2 IP addresses and that the cable modem will work with both an ethernet connection and a usb connection at the same time  You would have to check your cable modem documentation to see if it can work this way.  Most ISP would want you to pay an extra monthly charge in order for you to have 2 IP addresses.  Ethernet network cards can be found for less than $10.  Do yourself a favor and get on. 

Steve