[cgk]

I have a different model Linksys router on my amazon wishlist. I guess I should look into a couple other brands.

I know so little about routers and networks, I have no idea what to buy, so am researching. I read somewhere that to connect a desktop and a notebook on the same network, it's better to have a wireless router?

[TomServo]

You'd be OK going with a LinkSys. Just flash it with the latest updates and you're good to go. If you're gonna only have 1 box on it, just get the BEFSR11.

[drtom]

As snooker says, "In my experience, the cheap routers are quite effective at thwarting attacks.".

Some of these reported flaws are so high-profile that it takes a very experienced hacker to exploit them. Whether that hacker is interested in spending a lot of time on the individual average home user is doubtful.

A little firewall router, a regular patch update on your OS and a virus scanner. Everything beyond there is bordering paranoia.

[Wonder Warthog]

"I know so little about routers and networks, I have no idea what to buy, so am researching."

Go D-link--the product is more reliable. I originally purshased a Linksys 4-port wireless router, and it was crap. Flakey connections from day one, and it died permanently after about a month. I bought the Linksys because of the "Cisco" brand name, but after the problems, I did research into the user reviews--about a third of user reviews say Linksys is crap. Not nearly so many have negative reviews of D-link.