Go back to the store and buy a Linksys 802.11G wifi router (less than $70). Then take it home, put it's install disc into the computer connected to the router, and just follow the screens. It's money well-spent.
Since your neighbors are using encryption, you too should encrypt yours, AND you should
change the channel that your router broadcasts on (by default, most routers of all brands share channel 6; wifi DSl ch. 9);
change it to any channel BUT 6! Frequency sharing is a common reason that people get an intermittent signal that comes & goes. And sharing someone else's wifi can significantly slow down the connection you do have (at both ends!). May sound complicated, but the disk takes u through it well. Once it's set up, import the same encryption key you created (
be sure to type it into notepad, so you can save, copy and paste it back later!) into the blank that will come up when u attempt to connect your laptop to the router. Duplicate it in the second line, then wait for the link to acquire. Once that's accomplished, you shouldn't have to deal with it again.
It's easy to do...and you can hook up to live chat at the linksys website if you need help.
wifi between two houses 
It's easy 
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