ST <stjunkie@nntpjunkie.com> hath wroth:

>I have a newer Netgear wireless router.

Does it have a model number? Look at the serial number tag. It will
have the model number and the hardware version number.

While you're at it, could I trouble you to disclose the operating
system running on your computah?

>I set it up for home use and
>three of us have been using it almost without incident;

That means that you probably ran the Windoze XP "Home Networking"
wizard. Big mistake. That sets up your computer as an NAT router
using ICS (internet connection sharing) for your other computers to
share your connection to the internet. That's probably why you need
to connect before anyone else can browse the internet.

>however, I'm
>very new to 'wireless' networks and a I have a problem that I don't
>know how to resolve.

Actually, you apparently have more than one problem.

>None of the other users can connect unless I
>connect first?! Once I'm connected, then the other users can then
>connect with their computers. Is there some setting I need to change or
>create that would allow any of the users to connect without me
>connecting first?

It would be interesting to know what IP addresses are being used by
each computer. If you're running XP, please run:
start -> run -> cmd <enter>
IPCONFIG
and list the IP address and Gateway address for your computer and at
least one of the others. That will tell for sure if you're
accidentally running ICS.

>Also, a second but minor issue is that when I first boot up my computer
>it shows that I'm connected at full strength, but I can't connect to the
>internet with my browser unless I first run my Atomic clock program, or
>update some other program.

Your unspecified model broadband modem or unspecified Netgear router
has an "idle timer" set in it's configuration. It disconnects when
there's no internet activity. When you run something that access the
internet, it "dials", connects, and you're on for whatever is set in
the idle timer. This doesn't exactly fit your description, but I'm
more inclined to modify the evidence than ruin one of my pet theories.

>Once the time program connects and updates
>then I can access the internet with my browser [Seamonkey or IE makes no
>difference with respect to being unable to connect].

Does this "time program" have a name? There are a few such clock
programs that are actually spyware. Incidentally, I use SymmTime
(thanks to John Navas suggestion) which methinks is quite good.
<http://www.symmttm.com/download_symmtime_access.asp>

>I'd appreciate any suggestions.

1. Numbers and accurate details, not prose.
2. Describe your hardware and system better.
3. If ICS disable or remove it.
4. If an idle timer is set, set it to "0" which means forever.
5. Verify that your modem, router, and Windoze have the very latest
version firmware and updates.

--
Jeff Liebermann jeffl@cruzio.com
150 Felker St #D http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com
Skype: JeffLiebermann AE6KS 831-336-2558