NPC WOT Wireless routers, is one better than another Options

[GaroldShaffer]

I have a few questions about wireless routers. Here is my home setup:

Dell laptop with docking station.

Dell Home computer (new)

Compaq home computer (old)

Currently I have DSL service with a 4 port wire router connected to both Dells. I use a wireless card for the laptop when at corp office and in airports.

Here is what we want to do. Both Dells setup in my home office. Home computer direct connect to router, laptop using wireless card (so I can work in the garage and be connected to the my real job). Compaq setup in family room so 2yr old can have access to his websites. I would like to use a wireless card for the Compaq. so my long winded question is this.....

what would be the best wireless router to use? does it matter what wireless card is used to connect with? My laptop uses a Cisco Systems 350 adapter.
What wireless adapter would be best for the Compaq home computer?

Sorry for OT questions.

Thanks! - Garold

[seanery]

I, too, have a Linksys wireless router. I bought early and have a 'B'. If your card from work is a 'G' I'd get a 'G'. Otherwise 'B' will be fine. The 'B' is faster than the internet, but not as fast as a hardwire network, so if you're sharing lots of large files it will be slower, but regular ole internet stuff will be plenty fast.

I've run 3 different wireless cards and they all work fine. We installed a Microsoft 'B' access point/router at my Dad's house and hated it. It really wasn't very friendly and was weaker than others. He has a netgear now and it works fine.

No matter which one you go with, make sure you enable the 128bit security. Some routers don't default to that being on. Our local news did a big week long report about people's insecure wireless setups. They drove around several neighborhoods across the city connecting to people's networks and then rang the doorbell and embarrassed them on camera. Anyway, it just goes to show that a lot of people just plug them in and forget or don't know what else to do. Read the owners manual and you should do fine. Sorry for the rambling.