Correction: it's a RJ45 port, not USB
I'll be in a suburban, almost rural location with few computer literate
neighbors, so I'm not paranoid about security.
I only plan on email and web surfing - no on-line gaming - so I don't think
speed is a requirment.
Thanks for the prompt post.

"Mark McIntyre" <markmcintyre@spamcop.net> wrote in message
news:jwLEj.6336$fc1.2609@en-nntp-09.am2.easynews.com...
> William Andersen wrote:
>> Does at least one PC have to be wired to a wireless router?
>
> No but...
>> My daughter gave me a wireless router she no longer needs, with no
>> instructions. I went on line and downloaded the installation files,
>> manual, specs and quick start sheet.
>
> ... its a good idea to CONFIGURE the router using a wired connection, so
> that you can make changes to the wireless security etc without losing
> connection.
>
>> They say to load the installation disk first, then connect the PC to the
>> router with a USB cable. Is that necessary for set up only?
>
> I think you have the wrong instruction manual - the BEFW11S4 doesn't have
> a USB port.
> If its a real router, you don't need USB and you don't need any drivers.
> Just plug the ethernet port of your PC into an ethernet port on the
> router.
>
>> I'll be using the router at another home that already has a cable modem.
>> My plan is to connect the router to the modem so I can use my laptop with
>> the router wirelessly. I will only have the laptop at that home.
>> I'm using WinXP and it's a LinkSys BEFW11S4 Wireless-B Broadband Router
>
> Should all work fine.
>
> Note however that this is a very old router, 11Mbps only (so expect at
> best 4-5.5Mbps throughput), and poor security (WEP only). If you live in a
> metropolitan area, there's a fair chance you will get hacked.