[jyl]

Get card and wireless access point (aka router sometimes) from same mfg, for slightly less chance of hassles.

Get wireless access point with a few ethernet ports, to allow wired connection (to your desktop) and wireless (to your laptop). Later you might want to network the printer too.

Since your PC has no network port (hard to believe, but maybe its old) you want a wireless access point with a USB port, or add an internal network card to your PC ($20?), or add an external USB-to-Ethernet adapter to your PC.

Get 802.11g, since "b" is becoming obsoleted.

Whole setup should cost you $100 or so, less if find deals.

Wireless is really nice to have, later you can use it to stream music to a stereo, connect TiVO box, etc.

May want to avoid placing wireless access point right next to cordless phone or microwave, but may not need to - try and see.

I had Linksys and NetGear, both were okay. Now I have Apple Airport, great if you have Macs.

Wireless card may require you to load driver software on the laptop. Not sure if your laptop has CD drive. If not, try connecting laptop to wireless access point via ethernet cable, or even directly to cable modem using USB, to download any necessary driver software.

Should be easy, just post any follow-up Qs.