Laptops

home networking can be quite easy...

all you really need to know is the following:

1) do you want to connect the laptop wirelessly, if yes does the laptop already have wireless connectivity inbuilt?
2) how do you want to connect the desktops? wired=faster, wireless=no wires...
3) if connecting using wires, do the two desktops have network cards?

So your shopping list will look like this:
- wireless router (if you want to connect laptop/desktops wirelessly) OR
- wired router (if you want to connect laptop/desktops using wires)
-network cards/adaptors (if your laptop/desktops don't already have one) OR
-wireless network cards/adaptors (if your laptop/desktops don't already have one)(if you want to connect your laptop/desktops wirelessly)
- Ethernet cable (if you want to connect your computers using wires...)

once you have selected you products (I recommend D-link, Netgear or Linksys) it is normally as simple as running the supplied software on each computer

ask back if you have any questions...

<edited cause I can't spell...>

Home networking hardware is mush of a muchness these days. My advice would be to go with Linksys (re-badged Cisco) as they are quite easy to setup for a first time user. There is also plenty of on-line support.

If your 2x desktops are in close proximity, a Linksys router with 4x ports and wireless capbilities would be a good choice. Thay way you can connect your 2x desktops physically to the router and then configure the wireless feature for your laptop (asuming your laptop has wireless capabilities).

Linksys link:- http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C1&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1175243233028&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper&lid=3302896164B01


D-Link hardware is also fine (I have expereince with both) ;-)

You will need to consider your Broadband connection. Be careful that you choose the correct interface for your ADSL / DSL broadband (Appologies if I am getting a lttle too techy).

So far as wireless (D-link USB adapter)? no problems. Wireless works on standards of 802.11 a,b,g and now n - your adapter will be one of these and should support the appropriate levels of encryption and security (WPA, WPA2) WEP is not as secure.

Wireless standards link:- http://compnetworking.about.com/cs/wireless80211/a/aa80211standard.htm

Good luck

Also, check capability and compatability.

There are different levels of wireless.
Basically
B=11mb
G=54mb
N=???? Good questions still.

Stick to 802.11g and 54Mb best speed versus cost.

Be wary of discount or refurbish wirelss components and accessories. Older devices still have bugs and aren't always completely compatible.

Different brands will normally work just fine together. Linksys and D-link both provide good equipment and good support for home networking users.

Check out there websites for information before purchase.


DO NOT FORGET TO ENABLE ENCRYPTION ON YOUR WIRELESS ROUTER.

Most current routers come with a setup wizard that will help you.