agree I would plug all into the router that is much safer anyway since the router will or should have a firewall in it. If it were the ones hooked to the router that had the problem it could be a bad router but if the one you have issues with is not plugged into the router that is what I would try first. One of the first things an ISP tech will tell you is power down your modem and router, disconnect them from all power let set for several minutes then replug and try. Let us know if plugging that one into the router works. You always want to put the router between the pc and the modem to give you the added protection in the router.

ok that helps now we at least know it is an older used desktop and not brand new. some of the newer ones do come with wifi cards installed. I would go with one of the usb type much easier for you to use, just plug it into the usb port on the desktop and then you will need to have it find your wireless network and when you select it you will need to enter your wireless networks password. Personally I prefer the type that have a cord that goes to the usb plug rather than the little ones that look like a flash drive and plug directly in, with the cord type you can move it around on the desk to find the best spot for reception. this is what I mean USB Wireless WiFi LAN Adapter With High Gain 7dBi Panel Antenna or this Belkin and not this type WIFI USB WIRELESS the ones that plug right in like that can be easily bumped and there is no way to move them around for better reception. Just a personal preference, but sometimes placement does matter. the type that you would have to open your pc case and install into one of the slots is like this Wireless-G PCI Adapter

you would just have to get a wireless router to put in your set up that would allow you to move about your home freely and use your laptop, as long as it is set up properly with the correct security settings you are good to go. Your cable would go to the wireless router then you can still plug your desktop into the router as a wired connection and use the laptop's wireless access. There are many that are much more knowledgeable about this than I am however so I will let them help you out. PS I agree with you on the MSI wind being the best option, I have been looking at the netbooks for a while now as each new one comes out and comparing, and speaking to friends that own various ones, all that has led me to the MSI wind, now if only I had the extra cash to spend on a new toy, but since I just got a new vehicle and new furniture and have like 5 computers guess what is not on the gift list LOL

Many many thanks for everyone's comments thus far. I replaced the suspect connector at the demarcation point with a simple twist cap as one poster mentioned. Really that should work :) Our phone lines *sound* fine. However our max dsl speed is still 500-600. Unfortunately, I just had an organ transplant and need the ability to work from home with a higher bitrate than that! I work at Pixar, so we deal with a lot of Gigs of image data, etc. Unfortunately the change in connector has no effect as many of you had suspected. Here is what we have done so far, if anyone has an additional idea, I'm all ears. Here is what we have done on our side, none of which showed an improvement 1. Removed all extra components from our network - unplugged and disabled the hub, hardware vpn box, airport leaving just linux box->dsl modem 2. Tried another phone jack with same configuration (this was done post each additional change just for completeness). Phone jack tested was installed 3 years ago at the time of purchase of the home, so new wiring, straight run to the demarcation point. 3. Removed all phones from the system - the only thing in the house using a phone line is the dsl modem 4. Installed dsl filter for the alarm system (previously was a locked box and I had been assured a filter had been installed, bastards) 5. Got a key from the alarm company, disabled the alarm system/disconnected it from the phone system completely So again, at this stage, there is NOTHING connected to the phone lines other than the modem->linuxbox 6. Removed questionable electrical connector connecting the five branch lines in the house, restripped wires, capped with a twist connector 7. Rewired the preferred outlet for the dsl modem as it too looked questionable / installed new RJ45 jack on the existing phone line. Still max speed of 500-600. We love our static IPs for both vpn and running a webserver, but we cannot live with this speed. Do you have any ideas on how to further pursue this? AT&T has been out to the house and said our phone lines were fine, DSL Extreme last said it must be the alarm. Since then, we've done the rewiring/replacement of suspect connectors AND disabled the alarm completely. Sincere thanks, susan, who doubts a punchdown block is going to change anything but is willing to try anything at this point!