If you're just using a laptop, then there are a wide variety of networking cards that fit inside a specified slot on your computer's side. Look for one that supports 802.11g (the "g" being the important part to remember), since that's the kind of router you are using; after installing that, it should detect your network instantly and either connect immediately or ask you if it should do so. Brand shouldn't matter too much: Linksys, Belkin, Netgear... those three should be more than sufficient. I use a Belkin product in my desktop, and though I had to find an alternate driver to fix some annoying drop-out issues, it's worked as smooth as silk ever since.

Also, printing shouldn't be too hard; you can hook it up to a computer and then have the computer share the printer with the network. Also, some printers support being hooked up directly to the network itself; if your printer supports that feature, then you're effectively cutting out the middle-man in the prior method (a good thing). Either way, printing's a snap.

Oh I'm on Belkin, and the network disconnects regularly. Which driver did you use by any chance?

Sorry I'm butting into the topic but I can't pass up the chance to protentially fix the problem.
Assuming the driver is the problem, but I don't think I've got anything to loose.

Also my Dad is struggling to have the printer and scanner working via the network on the laptop. It only seems to work in the Administrator account if I remember correctly, if at all. I don't know what he did wrong, being limited in knowledge of installation and the like myself.

No worries Trudi! Anyway, I'm in the same boat as I don't know much myself. Sharing printers, etc. may sound simple to you, SH, but people like me I'm still lost. By the way my printer, DSL modem, and D-Link are all connected to my desktop with XP and the wireless adapter will go into the laptop with 2000.

I use a linksys USB network adaptor and it works just fine. Was very easy to install.

The model number is WUSB54G, and it's a little thing the size of a deck of playing cards on a USB cable.

Now, the Netgear wireless router Comcast gave us, on the other hand...-

Pretty sure this was the driver I'm using right now... something by Ralink, who apparently made some of the chips on the card to begin with. Either way it's far more reliable than the drivers on the CD or Belkin's website.

Hmmm seems i'm in the same boat as Trudi and Ray. I got a used laptop today and it was already connected to the previous owner's wireless connection....but now since i've brought it into my house it won't recognize my wireless linksys setup. Actually it did recognize it, but it won't allow me to access the internet. My driver is messed up or something I believe. I'm probably not even telling you enough information, but I really didn't think it would be so difficult and i'm frustrated out of my wits at the moment.

Well, I got the adapter, a Linksys WPC54GS, and while I was able to get my XP desktop onto a file, print sharing network, MS Communities, I cannot figure out how to do the same with the 2000 laptop. The laptop is connecting to the net just fine, as I'm using the laptop now, but I do need that help to get it on the same file/printer sharing network as the XP comp. The two operate so differently that I can't figure the 2000 way; please help!!

Ddue I really wish I could help, but I can't even get my darn laptop online. Have you created a home wireless network? I'm just throwing stuff out there...i'm sure you have. =/

Yeah, as for a wireless network, I've been able to have my PSP, 360, and Wii connected to the net for months; I also have the laptop connecting to the net as well-I just can't get it to link with the XP Desktop. I guess I don't technically have a wireless network per se until I get the 2 connected. Again help!!