I have something like that set up with mirrored drives. I think it's a great type of device to store data you don't want to lose.

I was hoping you'd chime in, Gud. Thanks.

Is it possible the computer is overloading the router or something like that? Any recommendations for what I should do to try to fix the situation?

Can you try a different network card (or install a network card if it's an integrated controller )? Or alternatively get a Linux Live CD burned to boot up on and bypass XP. I think the first step would be to isolate if there is a hardware or software problem.

Also try a different cable and/or a different plug on the router.

Gud,

I have tried different routers, different modems, and different cables. It wasn't until I unplugged the computer that the network really became stable again.

Ok - I think my first post about contacting tech support was around 2pm my time. We finished a little while ago. For the moment the computer is virus free, virus protection was uninstalled and reinstalled and so far things seem fine.

CJ sat with me for a good chunk of the time, so hopefully he will be smarter about how he uses the computer. I went over how to prevent problems and I've locked his access from downloading, so I hope we don't go through this again.

Hivemind please help. We are purchasing a wireless router for the first time for our 2 desktops and very new work laptop. To show how much in the dark-ages we really are, the current set up is a cable broadband modem hooked up to my (the main) desktop with an Ethernet cable running from my machine to DH's. When we need to use laptop we unplug from his machine to the laptop.

Okay, so we are looking for a wireless router and 2 usb adapters for the desktop. (Laptop obviously already has the internal card.) Trying not to spend over $150 for the 3 components. I have looked at D-LInk, Linksys, Encore, Buffalo. And am just confused by all the numbers.

Our house is smallish (around 1000sqft) all on one level, but it is very compartmentalized. There is no place to place a router that would have direct sight to any of the computers but mine. The signal will go thru walls, closets, and laundry room.

Also don't quite understand the data transfer rates. It will be used for browsing places like Buffistas and FB, playing games (casual, nothing like WoW) and streaming from Hulu, Netflix.

So, any suggestions much appreciated. Already decided this will come from Newegg since we and other have had great service and equipment from them in the past.

I have been researching this for 2 days and at this time my brain is ready to explode and just have no idea what to get. Please help!

edit: I really can spell, sometimes..

McDonald's Nationwide Free Wi-Fi Starts Today

Starting today, fast-food restaurant McDonald's will begin offering free Wi-Fi access at 11,500 of its 14,000 U.S. locations. It's a nice improvement from the $2.95 they were previously charging for two hours, and it could come in pretty handy in a pinch, considering the ubiquity of McDonald's.

Becky,

Is there any real reason to make the stationary desktops wireless? Almost all wireless routers provide the option of plugging in with an ethernet cord instead.

It sounds like you could buy pretty much any 802.11n router (I use Apple routers, which you probably don't want, but the hive can suggest whether you should go with Netgear, D-Link, Linksys, or other), put it near your desktop, and continue running ethernet from the desktops to the router. The laptop will be the only computer moving around, so it's the only one that really needs wireless, which the router will make available. If you want to get rid of the ethernet cable currently running from your husband's computer to yours, you could get an adapter just for his desktop.

the hive can suggest whether you should go with Netgear, D-Link, Linksys, or other

Honestly, I don't think there's any major difference in quality among the big three router manufacturers. People seem to have good or bad experiences based on individual devices.

Thanks Gris!