we are possibly going to be networking two computers later in the year ( depending on my sons exam results ) we were hoping to use a wireless connection but my Mum was saying she heard on the news that if we do this and then enter credit card details etc onto the computer people will be able to hack in through the airwaves is this right ?? and if so is there a way round this.

IF you have an unprotected Wireless Access Point, malicious hackers could get in. I dont believe its as extreme as stealing CC info, they can do that with just a phishing attack.

Basically, you want to have the wireless security protocols like WEP and WAP supported in any access point and router you buy. These protocols encrypt your signals so that some one would have to have the same keys before they could decode your signal (theoretically) and try to get to your computers. The higher the encryption level the better.

You've lost me now ( sorry ) what do you mean WAP and WAP supported , how do I do that ??
Sorry I'm a complete novice

Wep just scrambles what you send out...... encryption. Don't worry the router will guide you through the process.

whats a router ???????????????

Try here

How a router works - http://computer.howstuffworks.com/router.htm
How a home network works - http://computer.howstuffworks.com/home-network.htm