My router is password protected and my son in law gave it a network name that no one around here will recognize. There are several routers around my house that are not password protected. That's scary! If I plan to use my laptop in one of the 'free wifi' spots around town I will not get into my bank account etc. I just don't trust that.

I don't know what out of your budget means but my laptop including taxes was a little less than $400 at Best Buy and the little net books are cheaper.

They have some really nice machines for between $300 and $500 out there. Staples, Bestbuy, and dont forget NewEgg.com they have the best prices.

I have a wireless house, and recently decided to password protect my own connection. I found one of the winter renters at a house down the street could actually pull my connection. I was impressed with how far away they were. Its always best to protect yourself.

Make sure your passwords have upper, and lower case letters, and at least one number in it. Please dont pick pets names, childrens names, or your address or license plate. Pets names are easy to remember, but they are also easy to guess.

Congrats on getting it up and humming.

My son in law, the IT guy, says I have the most unpenetratable passwords he has ever seen. I hope I spelled that right! After my Facebook fiasco I do them up right!