Please, would someone be kind enough to answer a couple questions? I am about helpless on a computer. I use my HP desktop with windows vista business for research (surfing the net), e-mails & photos. For Xmas I got a HP pavilion laptop with windows 7. My desktop is powered by ATT DSL wired. MY question is can I use only a wireless router connected to my DSL modem to give my laptop access to the Internet?? I don't care weather I can access any files on the desktop or not.
Thanx in advance
Len

I use only a wireless router connected to my DSL modem to give my laptop access to the Internet??

Sure. Assuming the laptop has a wireless adapter, which most do.

You would connect your desktop to the router too. Since most wireless routers include a 4-port Ethernet switch, you just move the Ethernet cable to one of the free ports for the PC. Then use another Ethernet cable to connect the router to the modem. This is actually a much more secure setup than connecting the PC directly into the modem. The router will use NAT and will assume the IP address provided by your ISP. Then the router will assign your computers new IP addresses to use on your network (everything on your side of your gateway device, the modem). The router will then ensure all traffic goes where it is supposed to. The security advantage is your computer's new IP is hidden from the rest of the world - a very good thing.

The router will also allow you to setup network printing - so all computers on your network can print to your printer, without the printer being tethered to a host computer. The printer will require a print server, however. Many newer printers are network ready - they basically have a print server built in. Some routers have a print server built in.

Thanx much, I'm on my way to buy a router!!!

Make sure the wireless side supports 802.11n. "N" is the latest protocol standard and will ensure compatibility for some years to come.

n is the fastest too. but i read your post, wireless isn't the only connection option you have. you can use your ethernet cable and get a wired connection.