Cut the cords with a Wi-Fi network

You may need a few bits of information to set up your router correctly. Double-click the Network Connections icon within Control Panel and right-click the icon for your PC's Ethernet adapter. Then choose Properties > Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) > Properties. If "Use the following IP address" is highlighted, your Internet access uses a static IP address. Jot down the IP address, the subnet mask, and the default gateway. Then click "Obtain an IP address automatically." Click OK to apply your changes and OK again to close the dialog.

If you have a DSL connection, you'll probably need the username and the password your system requires to connect to your ISP. If you don't know the values, try looking within the software your ISP provided. You may need to uninstall the PPPoE connection software that your ISP provided. To find out, check your router's documentation.

Now is also a good time to collect the MAC addresses of any wireless-network adapters you'll be installing. The MAC address should be printed on the Wi-Fi PC Card or the PCI adapter.

You may be able to find ISP-specific router-configuration instructions within the tech-support pages of your ISP's Web site or your router manufacturer's site, especially if you use DSL.