What do I need?

Your computer must be wireless enabled, but it doesn't matter what type you have; it can be a Mac or a PC, a desktop or a laptop, says Best Buy Geek Squad agent James "Randy" Paine, who helps solve computer problems in clients' homes.

Most computers manufactured within the past few years have wireless capability; check your user manual if you are unsure.

You also need a high-speed Internet connection, which could be either through your phone line (DSL) or through your cable TV provider.

If you have both of those, you're ready to buy a wireless router. Think of a router like a base station for cordless phones. The router separates the Internet signal for all computers, both wired and wireless; it has connections on the back where you can plug in any nonwireless computers.

But what kind of router?

Many companies make routers, and most of them work about as well as the others. Confusion comes in when you start talking frequency, because you can buy routers in frequencies categorized as Wireless B, G or N.

Wireless B is the original and is being phased out. Even if stores are selling them at cheaper prices, don't go the B route on the router.

G has been available for several years and is the standard. Paine recommends Wireless G for the standard house connection; it will allow a range of up to about 150 feet. Expect to pay up to $40.

N is the new kid on the block, and allows for increased range and speed, but you may not need it just yet. These routers also will cost more, $50 to $80, as much as double the cost of a G.

How do I set it up?

In simplest terms, the router needs to get the Internet connection from the high-speed modem supplied by the Internet provider. You will need to connect an ethernet cable from the modem to the router's input (called a WAN port).

Routers typically come with a CD containing a start-up guide that walks you through basic setup. In most cases, there is a Web address in the manual to display all the configuration options.

Typically, you can choose how many computers you can network, a network name and a password.

The setup also allows you to choose and broadcast a network name so others can see it.

How do I protect my privacy?

Even more than on a standard computer network, you need to make sure that you have a good security system installed. Routers have the option to set up extra security, which must be done by the user as a separate step after installation.

If you don't take this step, then your network is wide open.