anti-virus & other software

[porsche4786]

What kind of router? Belkin? Belkin is shaZam!.

Linksys or D-Link are the only 2 I'd recommend. Just my $.02 though

linksys is what we have now

[sys49152]

Well I'm glad it's not the firewall software.

Most routers work just fine, and just about every router should work from 3 feet.  If you have the linksys wrt54g, it likely isn't a router problem -- that thing is solid.  I think it might be your Dad's laptop.  Any chance you could try having someone else connect to your local wireless network using their laptop?  If it works fine for them, it's likely an issue with your Dad's wireless card.  I find that some cards are really crappy, while others grab the signal and hold on extremely well.

Also, remember that 2.4Ghz wireless phones, microwaves and other devices that operate in the same range around the house may interfere with the connection.  I almost always lose my wireless connection when the microwave is turned on.

[porsche4786]

Well I'm glad it's not the firewall software.

Most routers work just fine, and just about every router should work from 3 feet.  If you have the linksys wrt54g, it likely isn't a router problem -- that thing is solid.  I think it might be your Dad's laptop.  Any chance you could try having someone else connect to your local wireless network using their laptop?  If it works fine for them, it's likely an issue with your Dad's wireless card.  I find that some cards are really crappy, while others grab the signal and hold on extremely well.

Also, remember that 2.4Ghz wireless phones, microwaves and other devices that operate in the same range around the house may interfere with the connection.  I almost always lose my wireless connection when the microwave is turned on.

my computer has always and still always connects just fine. both computers have wireless g internal cards. his computer is actually newer than mine too, it pretty much did this from the day he got it. they are both toshiba brand. we have not had any 2.4 ghz phones, always stayed away from that stuff. haven't ever had a problem with the microwave thing.