I am going starting a new job "telecommuting" and need to set up a home network. I am totally clueless about it all. Hopefully someone can help. Here is what I have to network. Internet Cable Modem Single Desk Top XP Pro Printer (HP office Jet) Internet Phone(Vonage)Analog Digital Converter Laptop (Pref wireless) XP Pro What is the best (fastest / simplist) configuration. I believe a router is required for the Internet Phone. Any suggestion? Thanks

The LinkSys BEFW11S4 or WRT54G router is the best way to go. Has four ethernet 10/100 ports and a wi-fi access point built in. With a Cable Modem, it is simple to set up. May require disconnecting the modem for several hours so the ISP can pickup the new MAC address of your adapter. It has a built in inbound firewall for security. Best Buy has it on sell this week in the US for $60 and $100 (after two $10 rebates). A laptop wi-fi card would cost you $40 to $60 depending on which speed you get. You have to pay much more to get a better router. The difference between the two is the speed and range possible on the wi-fi link. Be aware that different versions have a different number of leds on the front of the unit. If you can get the version with leds for each of the four LAN links do so. Also be aware, that you should check at the LinkSys web site for firmware updates for these routers. They have recently fixed things and are in the process of fixing problems with the wi-fi support. Your system just needs to have all the Micro$oft security updates and be setup to connect to a LAN with and set to obtain an IP address dynamically. You then set the router to handle any logon connection if necessary. Recommend you vist the LinkSys site and look at all their products first. Then go to their support page for the product(s) you are interested in and download and read their User Guides (PDF). The have a lot of technical information you can learn from first.