[Bungleau]

You will need...

1 wireless router (802.11B or 802.11G... probably G these days)

1 wireless network card (NIC) for each computer (matching the same version, B or G)

I run 802.11B here at the home office. My Linksys router came with one wireless NIC for a laptop -- you'll need a different one for a desktop.

The router can set you back as little as $40-50, if you watch for a rebate sale. The NICs will range from $20 to $70, depending whether you get them on sale or rebated.

You don't need the same brand of router and NIC, but they will play nicer together. For example, the built-in wireless on my laptop doesn't recognize security phrases, only security keys. That just makes it a little harder to set up.

And Harks, even though I also live in a good neighborhood, I still set up wireless security on the three basic levels (hiding SSID, WEP, and MAC address limitation). I started the last level when I went downstairs one Saturday, noticed the wireless connection was blazing away, and none of my NICs were responsible....

Better safe than sorry, I say.