if you set it on the laptop and router you will lose the connection with the pc if its not set the same.
you're network is open at the mo and you are taking a chance.
log onto your netgear router eg http://192.168.1.1 or whatever and set a wpa/psk passphrass there.... make it a good password with at least 7 characters.
you will then lose connection with the router.
now do a scan with your pc to see the networks in your vacinity. try to connect to yours and you will be prompted for a password. enter the above key and you should be on.
repeat for the laptop.
spend some time reading the router manual.
other things to do.....
change the ssid or disable it from broadcasting, enable mac filtering, and lower the broadcast power if possible to what you need.