Linksys Wireless Router

Once you've committed to a broadband Internet connection, if you intend to share the connection on more than one computer in your home, you are faced with a choice. Wired or wireless network? If you share my aversion to running cables, it's a simple decision. Plus, wireless networks are just plain cool. I got this Linksys BEFW11S4 off of ebay for just under $80.

The latest promotional deal from SBC/Yahoo offered $29.95/month for the first 12 months, and was enough to get me to finally abandon dialup. However, they achieve this great price by subsidizing their service with a dizzying array of detestable adware. If you're like me, you want the speed of DSL without the hassle of all the popups, desktop icons, and spyware of the Yahoo software.

Don't despair, there is a way around it. Don't even take the enclosed CD out of the package!! If you're using a router, you won't need it at all. Register your new DSL account at SBC's secret web site. Okay, maybe it's not a secret, but Yahoo sure doesn't want you to know that it's this easy because then they can't install that big ol' steaming pile of, um, software on your machine. First, accept the license agreement, then enter your phone number, and you will be allowed to select your own username and password. When you get the confirmation screen, close your browser and enter the username/password into your router. Happy surfing!