ICOT,
I do plan on getting the router and I hear what you’re saying about avoiding ICS. Does the router also allow me to share files between computers, or do I still need my network switch for that?
I have avoided wireless for 2 reasons which are both based on my not trusting myself to secure it properly. The first is that my kids have a computer without internet access – just for games and word processing etc. If they attached a wire to my computer (or the new router) to sneak onto the internet, I would see it. But if I have wireless, then if they get hold of a wireless card for their computer they will have access without me being the wiser, assuming I don’t secure it properly. The other reason is just basic security. I don’t want anyone to be able to access the files on my computer or to spread a virus to it. After hearing stories like the one a few years ago where identity thieves sat in Best Buy parking lots and picked up credit card numbers from the wireless cash registers, I just got scared off from even trying. But then again maybe I should get over my network phobia, buy the dummies book and learn how it all works.
thanks for all the other info. I have indeed gone to cnet in the past, but lately I’m too busy here in the coffee room to have time to go there. 😉