Okay, I'll try to keep this simple (thus sparing you the curious details of how my previous 2Wire modem mysteriously stopped working abruptly).

In the new house, I now have a Westell DSL Modem/Router (model number escapes me at the moment, hopefully that won't be pertinent to my question)

Currently, only my wife's laptop is configured & working with it since that's the only computer currently at that house.

I'm told by BellSouth that what I need for connecting several desktop PC's to that DSL service (i.e. so I can get them online) are USB wireless adapters, most of which that I've seen online are described as plug-and-play.

My question is I need to buy USB wireless adapters that are brand-specific / model-specific to the new modem or will pretty much any brand adapter work with any brand modem/router?

Additional questions would be:
1) If the adapters aren't specific to a manufacturers modem, are there makers of adapters that are significantly better/worse than others?
2) Does it matter significantly which ... umm ... I think the word is "protocol" the adapter is? I know there's different types of wireless connectors, something like xxx.g or xxx.b or whatever, but that's pretty much the extent of my knowledge (scant though it may be).

As for "what I should get", I'd like to keep the price on the adapters as reasonable as possible (best I can tell that's between $39 & $59) and as for quality, all I'm concerned with being able to do is consistently connect to the internet. The computers are not otherwise networked to each other, nor it is very important that they share printers, files, or anything else. I just want to get them all online when desired.

As always, help & advice is appreciated.

Whiny little bump at 4.5 hours.

You really just want to make sure your the standards are compatible, the 802.11 a/b/g.

A access point only works with a.

B access point, I think, only works with B.

G access point, which you likely have, works with B or G adapters. B is 12mb, G is 55mb. Most likely you'll be wanting to buy 802.11g wireless adapters.

The three "good" manufacturers off the top of my head: Linksys, DLink, Netgear.

Whatever you do, don't buy a motorola wireless adapter. After a series of BSoD's, i finally ended up chucking mine against the wall, and ran some cable.
G is better than B, I'm not sure they still sell B either.

And if it's to be a permanent solution, you may want to consider installing the PCI card adapter instead of a USB one. The USB device will be jutting out of your machine, if you ever have any issues with the USB ports, you won't be able to get online.

And if it's to be a permanent solution, you may want to consider installing the PCI card adapter instead of a USB one.

Right now, it's just about getting access to the desktops period. With all the insanity that has been part of the move, I figure I'll come up with a more permanent plan after we finally get completely in there & have had a month or so just to catch our breath & settle in.

You really just want to make sure your the standards are compatible, the 802.11 a/b/g.

How do I determine for sure what a/b/g standard the modem/router is?

Most likely you'll be wanting to buy 802.11g wireless adapters.

That's what I was thinking, but really didn't have much to back up that line of thinking beyond "g sounds newer than a or b, so it's probably the way to go".

Thanks to both for the input (and TIA for any others who care to join in).

IF I can get:
a) painting completed in my area by Wednesday
b) carpet people in & out by Friday
c) have a ready solution to the internet access waiting to implement

then there's at least a chance that I could actually be functional in the new house either over the weekend or at least sometime next week. This whole ordeal of trying to split time between two houses an hour apart has sucked mightily and seems to suck worse the longer it goes (now entering a 4th week of this crap).

How do I determine for sure what a/b/g standard the modem/router is?
Get the model number on your router and google search it, probably the easiest way.

g are compatible backwards so you shouldn't have any problem.

I've ordered from this site before and recommend them to friends. They have several adapters under $20
http://www.surpluscomputers.com/store/main.aspx?p=Categorybody&c=WNAD

I suggest buying a USB adapter that has a USB extension cradle, which will give you alot more freedom over where you place the USB antenna.

I suggest buying a USB adapter that has a USB extension cradle

Jon gets puzzled look on face & goes off to Google.

edit to add: Google is our friend.

Jon gets puzzled look on face & goes off to Google.

It's a cord that plugs into a USB port with a cradle on the end, similar to the dock that comes with an iPod, or PalmPilot. Pluging the USB antenna into the USB slot in your computer puts it in a position that is not all that great for receiving a signal (usually on the floor, buy a desk or wall). Having the corded cradle allows you to position the antenna wherever you want to put it, so it's more out in the open for better reception.

Here's a pic of the one I have (the cradle/dock, is the black thing)... http://www.futureshop.ca/multimedia/products/regular/10051717.gif

It's a cord that plugs into a USB port with a cradle on the end, similar to the dock that comes with an iPod, or PalmPilot.

Having neither an iPod nor a PalmPilot, I was at a bit of a disadvantage there ;)

Between what I found Googling & the picture you kindly provided, I get it now.
Basically, in poor old layman's terms, it's a long USB extension cord.

And from what I found online, it's like $10-$15 bucks, which is a price I can definitely live with for the additional flexibility.

Good tip, thanks.

Having neither an iPod nor a PalmPilot, I was at a bit of a disadvantage there ;)

Between what I found Googling & the picture you kindly provided, I get it now.
Basically, in poor old layman's terms, it's a long USB extension cord.

And from what I found online, it's like $10-$15 bucks, which is a price I can definitely live with for the additional flexibility.

Good tip, thanks.

Actually you should be able to find one packaged in with the USB connector, for the same price as one without it. When I purchased mine last week a good 75% of them came with the USB cradle.

Actually you should be able to find one packaged in with the USB connector, for the same price as one without it. When I purchased mine last week a good 75% of them came with the USB cradle.

Woot, even better.