Well first off, I'm assuming you are looking for a wireless router and not just a router?  If that's the case, the next question you need to ask yourself if what you're going to do with it.  Are you just going to use it to share internet access between some computers at home or are you going to use it for lots of filesharing between your home computers?  If it's just for internet sharing, buy the cheapest 802.11b router you can find (usually $10 to $20 if you shop around).  If you're doing heavy filesharing, go with 802.11g as the speed will be beneficial in that regard.

As for security, as a home user you really don't need that much.  WPA is nice, but 128WEP will work if that is not an option (yes, it's breakable but you're really not at high risk).  MAC filtering is another nice security measure that most routers will have.  Some routers will also allow you to turn off their SSID broadcast and some will allow you to reduce their wireless transmission power.

yes i would like wireless. i plan to share the internet and the printer. my laptop has g and b avalibility, would it not be beneficial to get a g wireless router since my laptop has that capibility? i'm deciding between the

dlink di 624 airplus xtreme router

linksys wrt54gs wirelss g broadband.

can you comment on either of these?

thanks.

Ok if i am only to share internet and printer capabilities, what router would you suggest then? If I dont need the g router, you are right there is no point paying for it. can you tell me what router you would recommend?

and is that all i would need? i dont need the pci card (that comes with alot of routers) cause my xps inspirion already has wireless capabilities right? can you recommend a router that would fit my needs and has good reviews (i dont want one that will continually hang up on me).

also, do i need to keep my desktop on in order for the wireless router to connect to the internet?

do i need to install my isp software on my laptop as well?

sorry for so many questions. please answer as many as you can.

ok, can i get a quick description of the computers you wish the share internet with (that is to say, how many are desktops and how many are laptops ... and which you are going to wire directly and which you want to be wireless ... and finally, what if any, networks cards you already have purchased and installed)

Oh, and what kind of internet do you have (cable or dsl?) and does your modem have an ethernet hookup?

I have one desktop that will be connected wired. One laptop to be connected wirelessly. The desktop is a 900mh cicero, 128mb, 160gb hd, win xp, cd/r. the laptop is the inspirion xps. i have shaw cable and i'm not sure if the terminal has an ethernet hookup. i'm sorry i cant be of much help as i dont know much about this. i want to have the possiblity to connect another desktop wired, possibly the dimenision 8400. the laptop is mine, the old desktop is my hubby's who might upgrade to the dimension in teh next year. in either case the old desktop will still be connected for my son. the only wireless will be my laptop. thanks.

Ok, and this is really the last question ...  Before I recommend a router for you, I want to make absolutely sure your cable modem can connect to it.  Check the wire running from the cable modem to whatever computer it is hooked into (I assume the desktop?).  Do the plugs on that wire look like those on a phone cord except that they are fatter?  Or do the plugs looks flat and long?  Does where the cable plugs into the computer have any flashing lights?

Basically there are two ways cable modems can be connected to a computer -- some use ethernet, some use USB, and some are capable of using both.  Your modem needs to be capable of using ethernet for it to work with a router

THANK YOU. I WILL CHECK WHEN I GET HOME AND REPLY TO YOU. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP.

MANDY

i got my husband to check. it looks like a phone jack only fatter. is that ethernet?