How's this sound....

I'd like to make the transition as smooth as possible and am looking for advice...

After 10 years I'm finally getting off dial-up, and on Monday, will be getting ADSL from Bellsouth. I'll be getting either a Linksys ($39) or Netgear ($44) router to add to the ADSL modem. Truth is, I already bought the Netgear (had Bestbuy match their internet price) and then saw the Linksys at Officemax. Bestbuy has the Linksys for $49 so I thinking about returning the Netgear and getting a price match for the Linksys or getting my money back and going to Officemax.

$5 aside, which would be best for hardwiring desktop A (my girlfriends) with wired/wireless laptop B (mine)? After I decide on a router and have all the hardware, cables ect, what's the best procedure?

I'm thinking... Set up thhe ADSL modem according to Bellsouth's sellf-install instructions on desktop A (XP). Then following the router''s directions to wirelessly add laptop B. Sound good?

Now what if I want to turn off the radio and hardwire laptop B? Steps?

Back to wireless laptop and a crossover ethernet hookup with my old desktop tower (MSMe)? Will I be able to import/snyc files or programs? Is it possible to see the desktop like in MyPC?

Thanks for any help.......

 

Also what's the procedure for unattaching/attaching an ethernet cable from a computer? Is it like some USB devices that you can just plug and/or unplug or do you need windows permission like a digital cameras?

 

when you first get the modem and service established connect via ethernet cable to the modem to computer to verify service. Then unplug the ethernet cable from the computer and plug into wan port on router. access router config using browser window. The ip of the router will differ depending on make/model (typically 192.168.1.1). setup options according to instructions. may need ip# from isp or username/password if using pppoe(dsl). will also need to setup wireless choosing a ssid name and password.
As for as file sharing between the two, just make sure that both are in the same workgroup and mapped. GL

 

Money not aside, I'll send you a new Netgear WGR614v6 for $35 shipped PM me if you're interested. It's a $50 routers in stores!