IT question -- wireless router troubles

[ny biker]

I did order a new router from Amazon. In the meantime I hardwired the laptop to the router, which seems to give a more stable connection. I'm working from home today due to the Snowquester so I need my internet connection to be stable.

I also looked into getting a USB wireless N adapter for my laptop, but decided to wait and see if the new router will be fast enough with the G wireless card that's in the laptop already. No point in spending money until I know it's worthwhile.

Thanks again for all the replies. Not only does it help me with my current problem, but since I am the "computer expert" for several family members it will also help me deal with problems they ask about in the future.

[Irulan]

... but since I am the "computer expert" for several family members it will also help me deal with problems they ask about in the future.

You'll appreciate this, then. My son sent it to me, and author allows hotlinks

[ny biker]

THIS IS SO TRUE!!

It's amazing what you can accomplish with a little patience and a good search engine.

[ny biker]

So, just to follow up, I installed the Linksys E3200 router yesterday. It seems to be working well so far and is definitely faster than the old router, which I will take to the county's electronics recycling dropoff site.

One reason I chose this router is that is is supposed to be easy to set up, and I think it was. However there are two issues -- the Cisco Connect software was not installed on my pc during the set up process, and there is a "guest network" (access to wifi but no access to files on my laptop) that I cannot log into with my smartphone. I tried to get help via an online chat with Linksys tech support and it was a disaster. The person seemed to have less knowledge than I do, didn't listen to what I was asking and was so unresponsive I had to keep asking if anyone was still on the line. Finally I gave up and said it was late and I needed to go to bed so I would have to try again to fix the problems another time. After several minutes with no answer, I disconnected the session. Then today their system emailed me a transcript -- after I disconnected the person came on and said well you seem to be gone so I guess I solved your problem. Holy cow, I was stunned by the incompetence. Apparently I am on my own in trying to to solve these problems.

But at least the connection with the regular non-guest network is fast...