okay to get your to computers to share files etc do the following on both machines.
go to START --- > RUN ---> here type in "CMD" you should have a black dos box now. type here "ipconfig" you should get an ip address on both computers like 192.168.2.*. so lets say your lappy got ip 192.168.2.3 so from your desktop you do a "ping 192.168.2.3" all still in the dos box.
if you get replies then you should be fine to get unto the other computer, if its time-outs then you still have a firewall active.
if all replies then go to start ---> run ---> this time type in "\\192.168.2.3" so thats for your laptop and with a bit of luck about a minute later you should see the folders of the lappy
reverse it for the desktop and voila windows networking done.
---------- Post added at 19:31 ---------- Previous post was at 19:30 ----------
Cj, just keep this router...or if you got too much dosh go for a N1 router...but to get the high speeds of N1 you need the cards for both desktop and laptop.