"What I do not understand is why they charge a monthly fee of 7.95 for up to 4 computers." It may be that the contract you have with them now allows you to connect only a single PC and that they charge extra for multiple PCs to connect. That kind of pricing used to be more common when only propeller headed geeks had home networks, but home networks are pretty common these days, so charging extra seems unusual to me. I'd be in a bit of trouble if I were limited to 4 PCs. I think we've got 5 PCs, a Tivo, 2 game consoles, 2 handheld game systems and 2 iTouches that are all connected (or can be at various times). Fortunately, my ISP doesn't place any limit on the number of devices I connect.

Thank you all...I'm going to try it tomorrow. One more question. My set up is in an open cabinet system. My son recommended the router and modem be at the very top of the cabinet. This has always been a problem for me when I have to unplug and reset either the modem or router. Since I am unplugging the equipment anyway I think moving it down one shelf would be better. The wires would not be so tight. And it would be easier to reach...no ladders,etc! So...does the router have to be at the highest point in the room or can it be lower and on an open shelf more within reach. Hiding all the wires was important to me at the time so all the wires are behind the three unit cabinets. Since I seem to have frequent issues I can't worry about that anymore! So I guess the new router won't recognize the settings on the computer? I have to do a new setup as if this is the first time? Sounds easy enough....wish me luck..... Thanks again.

This is one of those situations where there is a lot of compatibility of equipment even when they use different standards. Basically, here are the main things to know: 1) You need one, and only one, wireless router. An N router is probably the best choice for you, and would typically be backwards compatible with older technologies. It will handle your computer connections, printer connections, and other wireless systems, if you have any, like game players, or streaming video boxes like Roku players. 2) If you want the old Dell to connect wirelessly, it would likely need to have a wireless card added to one of the slots...not very expensive. Or you could continue to have it connected with an Ethernet cable to the new router. 3) You will need one computer hooked up by Ethernet cable to the new router to set up your system. Then it can be disconnected and used wirelessly afterwards if you want. 4) Your printer should be compatible with your router, and that varies among printers. If you have an N router, it would also likely interface fine with a b/g standard as well as N printer.

fwiw WPA is the security most would use. One passphrase of 20 charatures is recommended by most to make it virtually unhackable. That security is to keep others out of your router or off your internet connection. Many people screw up writing down passphrases on paper and/or retyping it in. Can't connect complaints usually blaming it on other things are frequently solved by whoops, my passphrase was entered wrong. Copy & Paste passphase is virtually foolproof. But requires a bit of though. Dont push the OK button until you've pasted it onto notepad or something. WEP is ok, but there are programs Johnny Jr next door might use to gain access in a few minutes. One of those four WEP keys is designated the primary key with a bullet or check box... that checked key you would copy/paste into your computer for the passphrase or key. You're not going to be automatically given a key in your home. Maybe at work when login & security is handled off a server. When you do credit cards and other secrets online usually its on a secure web page and those web pages are encryped so mr bad guy & neighbor are not able to see anything except googlygoop.