Need help w/wireless purchases

[ArcticFox]

I've wanted to set up a wireless network for some time now, and the fact that a coffee shop/bookstore down on 1st street offers free wireless internet is the final deal. Please note that I am set on an 802.11g, and the products you recommend need to support that spec. I have some questions:

I currently use a Linksys 100mb router and a Netgear 100mb switch. What brand, model, and device should I get to act as something to share internet and act as a switch for gaming/file sharing?

What would be a good firewall to get eventually?

What brand and model of cards should I use for my laptop (PCCard) and desktop (PCI)? USB is a no-no btw.

Any products or software you can recommend regarding wireless?

Thank you very much for the info in advance. Right now I plan on getting a PCCard for my laptop for the coffee shop thing, and will get my other comps on the air later.

[John Prophet]

everyone says "orinico" wireless cards are the best

[ArcticFox]

Originally posted by John Prophet
everyone says "orinico" wireless cards are the best

Actually it's Orinoco, make by Proxim Wireless. Yes, I was thinking of getting their B/G PCCard, but I can't in any way afford their other hardware, besides a PCI for my desktops. Thanks, though.

Edit - This sucker looks good for broadband sharing and networking. Anyone else agree?
http://www.computers4sure.com/produc...d=874&adid=874

i have that same router, no complaints here.

[ArcticFox]

Originally posted by GroundZero3
i have that same router, no complaints here.

Good speed/reception? Any packet loss?

[washe]

same router here also a no complaints... my connection problems came from a Linksys card not the router actually, mine is quite far like 75 feet across 3 walls.

[washe]

Originally posted by ArcticFox


Good speed/reception? Any packet loss?

Well speed will not be a factor to measure with wireless, for web browing and downloading stuff its okay.. If you need to transfer big files well.... after you begin to copy go fix yourself something to eat... it will take a while to finish the transfer...

[ArcticFox]

Alright thanks for the help, I'll probaby look into that router. 2 more things:

1) A wireless router/switch whatever can support an unlimited number of connections, but it will just be slow, right?

2) The B/G Netgear PCCard is $50 plus a $10 rebate at NewEgg. The Proxim Gold is like $80. I am not the one paying for this stuff, so how much of a difference will getting the Proxim card have over the Netgear? Everything in my network is Netgear except for the Linksys router and an unused 8 port 10mb hub, and I've found the brand to be reliable and uneventful (that's a good thing BTW).