Zeke,
Just finished browsing through the
Instruction manual for your Netgear router. Looks like you really need the wired LAN connection to the router from your pc so you can make the proper configuration settings.
According to step 3c, on page 2 of the instruction manual, you need to be connected to even enable the wireless feature.
This really shouldn't be a problem, because you can easily pick up a network card that would fit into your old computer at your local computer shop for $10 or $15. (I'd stay away from the CompUSA type stores, cuz they'll want to sell you a more expensive one.)
They're pretty simple to install, basically, just shut down the pc, open it up, find an open slot and plug in the card. Then, boot, load the drivers and you're finished. You should be able to connect right up.
Something else you can try.... Seeing as how you have to enable the wireless on the router, itself, this may not work, but I also saw that the default SSID for the wireless network is
NETGEAR. You can try configuring the wirelless card on your laptop to connect to this SSID, but again, if the wireless network isn't enabled by default, you'll be outta luck. But, it doesn't cost anything to try.
My advice would be to try the wireless idea above first, and if that doesn't work, spring for the $25 or $30 for the LAN Card and Cable (Patch, not Crossover) and hook it up.
Randy