I assume this is the statement that is causing the questions 2) 802.11g / 802.11a adapters must be USB 2.0. Not every PC / notebook has USB 2.0. USB 1.1 is not fast enough for 802.11g / 802.11a. USB 1.1 is the standard that all usb ports can use it is the older standard however and is much slower, newer computers for the past 4 yrs or so have all come out with the USB 2.0 standard which is a much faster version, most things made for usb ports will be backward compatible and can be also used on usb 1.1. So depending on the age of the pc you likely do have USB 2.0 standard usb ports. You can run a belarc on your pc and it will tell you everything about it. Belarc

Linksys seems to be the most popular, followed by Dlink. There are many others that are just fine & some way much better for way much more money. Usually the $40 deals are discontinued or obsolete models... which are quite usable for most people. There is a new wifi which isnt quite mainstream yet but eventually will replace the 802.11G with 802.11N which also do G for people with old stuff. Being that you are new to wifi, $40 sounds fine - however; if the isp supplies a router it may be programed such that you may not be able to hook another router to it and then you would want a wifi access point that doesnt do routing, maybe a network switch too,,, depends. ~ In a home with multiple computers usually the isp supply's a combination modem/router,,, if they know you have a laptop they would normally supply a modem/wifi_router. Free at install with no monthly rental provided you agree to an annual contract... which usually have a provision for a $100 or so early cancellation fee with return of the modem/router.

Yeah, not really my idea of 'living' either, dlm. I can't imagine spending all those hundreds of dollars a month for all this stuff. I used to pay $155 for internet/VOIP/cable tv. I thought that was an outrageous amount to spend on these things! I also have a cell phone strictly for emergencies that costs $25/mo. I've since switched to a landline $17/mo (only $8 for the landline but another $8+ surcharges). I need this for security system/fire, incoming calls, and power outages. I use Google Voice (free) for all outbound calls (usually works just fine though certainly not as convenient as just picking up a handset). Switched from broadband to DSL which is half the cost at $30/mo. It usually seems to be faster! As for the tv, it's not something I really enjoy or want to spend my time on. I will use the DVD player when I want to spend my time watching something really good (once I get it set up). Or read, play music or even watch select shows that are available on the net. I am however paying $22/mo for the antenna service at this point (the digital box and indoor antennas I tried aren't working very well). I think I'll be getting a roof antenna installed to rid the monthly fee for that expensive service. I am also changing over to a $100/yr prepaid phone card for the emergency cell (has a $1 daily access fee when the phone is used). So, $8-$10/mo for that instead of $25, reduced by $200/yr. So, down from approximately $180/mo (ridiculous) to $78. Hopefully $56/mo in the near future when I've got an outdoor antenna installed. Boy that sounds good. More like the old days!

Ken and others Yes, I have been by Gus's place in Livonia with my mother years ago but did not go in for a visit. Did not meet Gus in any hosta meetings or at my mother's garden as I don't remember him being active in the small circle of local hosta people at the time. Just a note for those interested in saving the date, I have been invited by the Metro Detroit Hosta Society to speak next Feb 22, 2016 in Birmingham MI. The meeting is at 7 PM at the First United Methodist Church of Birmingham, 1589 W. Maple Rd. Birmingham MI Title will be "Pauline Banyai: The Hosta Lady - Revisited." Plan to show some of the video of my mother in her last years(the same one I have used at the Hosta College) and also bring an update on Gold Standard and its progeny. Bruce