Reply #12: I've never liked wireless

[DavidMS]

Its flaky and a pain to configure and secure (and thats comming from an IT guy). Wired networking just works, while wireless tends to flake out at bad times and is difficult to secure via encryption. Get a Router (Linksys WRT54GL), plug the cable modem into it and the desktops into the cable modem.

If you want to use a wireless network, get adapters (PCI cards) from the same brand to reduce headaches if you every need to call tech support. If you are not comfortable cracking the case, get USB adapters. I like PCI cards because once installed and working they are a little more foolproof. If a desktop is any distance from the router you may need high gain antenna(s).