Open Device Manager and see if a wireless network adapter is shown when you expand the listing for Network Adapters. 

 

My personal recommendation is stay away from N based routers, as it is not yet a standard.  Furthermore, many people are buying N based routers because they offer higher speed, but most people are unaware of the fact that this increased speed does not apply to your internet connection, as internet speed is controlled by your ISP.  No ISP that I am aware of offers speeds that even come close to the 54 Mbps of a standard 802.11g wireless network. 

 

Furhtermore, if your computer does have a wireless network adapter, it will be the Intel 2200 802.11b/g wireless card.  Such a card will not work on the 802.11N protocol, and could have incompatibilities with some N based routers.  

 

If you have an N based router and wireless adapter, the only advantage they offer (when they work) is increased range and faster file transfer between computers on the local network.

 

I recommend routers from Linksys, Netgear, and D-Link, in that order.

 

Steve  

 

 

To add to Steve's remarks, N has not even been finalized yet, let alone have all of the bugs worked out.

 

Wireless is for convenience, not large file transfers, in my opinion.

I looked at BestBuy.com, CircuitCity.com and Staples.com and found a few Linksys routers. My budget is extremely tight so I won't be able to get a top end router. I found Model: WRT54G for $49.99 and Model: WRT54GS which is supposed to be "Speedbooster" for $69.99.  The only difference I can tell when I compare the 2 is the first one states 'Does not apply' for the interface slot type, simply states Broadband Internet access for system requirements, whereas the second lists quite a few more details and the first one does not have a warranty. These are both 802.11g. Would you recommend either one of these? I figured I can always add a WAP if I need extended range. A WAP cannot be used in place of a router, correct?

 

Staples lists Wireless G with Mimo (faster), Wireless G Enhanced (faster), and Wireless G (actually they list the Wireless N as the fastest but I'm glad I came here and got your input or I would have probably ended up with that and had a major headache.)  I'm not even sure about any of these. I want to get a router that will work but I don't want to get something that's overpriced because of extra bells and whistles that don't mean anything to me.

 

Your expertise is appreciated!

ajs

The WRT54G will provide the most economical and most effective router for your needs and installed wireless adapter.  You will not be able to get a speed faster than your wireless card which is 802.11g (54 Mbps). So the WRT54GS will default back to the speed of the WRT54G with your network adapter and will therefore not provide any advantage.   Yes you need a router, not a WAP.  Besides, WAPs are more expensive than wireless routers and provide less function.

 

Steve