Windows 7: Need help buying new router!

I think the explanations are off to the left or right side. I'll admit, the explanations aren't clear.

are there any dangers changing the ip address from 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.0.1? i'm more use to typing 192.168.0.1

Not that I know of. I've never heard of anyone having a problem doing it.

Mostly all teh routers are fine.. They do not require drivers to be installed in your computer. Just TCP/IP stuff. Ive used D-link, 3 com, Belkin, Linksys and currently Netgear. All have worked fine.. some may be eaiser to setup specific access.. Linksys is now Cisco but I havew read of problems with the firmware of the new series and you have to update firmware.. 99.9% of the time this goes witout a hitch but I lost a router once updating firmware.. it can happen.

The netgear Im using is a dual speed wireless with 4 wired ports.. or a 4 port router with wireless access.. depends on how you look at it.. it has good range for the wireless and has functioned well on the wired part too.. Just do a search on a model to see if there is alot of problems known, and if theyve figureed the fix for them.. but in general they are all fine.. som ehave more bells and whistles etc..

As for changing the IP.. it is fine.. just be sure DCHP is running/enabled It will adjust your comps IP so it is inline with router.. and if you change it might as well change it from 192.xxx.xxx.xxx to some other range.. like 48.xxx.xxx.xxx . you might change it because all the routers are default of 192.xxx.xxx something like that.. They all use the same IP or similar from each manufacturer.. the mask can also be reduced but I wont go into that atm.. and under DCHP users you can set the number to the max comps youll have on network..

K the router has bad cooling. All the air vents r on the bottom on the router.

Can anybody tell me what is network guard in Network Magic Pro? it's different from the password for your wlan.

http://windowssecrets.com/2010/07/15/06-How-to-pick-and-optimize-your-home-router

it won't let me read it unless i have a paid subscription

He might have been trying tho link you to something like this:
10 tips for improving your wireless network
or this:
Joshuaink: Router heat problems

Both look like good reads to me.

imeem,
You don't have a paid subscription but you do need to be a Windows Secrets member.

Just a sec. I'll review the article again and list a couple of routers worthy of selection.

If easy installation is key, consider the Cisco Valet Plus ; it's a basic wireless router, priced at around $130. It received high marks from CNET and earned an Editor's Choice from PCMag.com. Reviewers pointed to its good performance and fast, user-friendly setup that includes the innovative USB Easy Setup key.

For a dual-band router, check out the Linksys E3000 Simultaneous Dual-Band Wireless-N Router, priced around $180. It's an update of the Linksys WRT610N, which earned very good scores from CNET and ZDNet. The E3000 has a sleek, low-profile design similar to that of the Valet Plus, and it shares that router's ease of setup. The E3000 supports gigabit Ethernet speeds and has a USB port for external network-attached storage.

If you are willing to spend more and would like something that's more than a nondescript box sitting on your desk, check out D-Link's DIR-685. At around $225, this interesting device is pricey, but it includes an open bay for an optional 2.5" internal hard drive, giving you network-attached storage. It also has a small color LCD, so that ugly box turns into a digital picture frame.

Now my personal recommendation would be the Linksys E3000.

It shouldn't matter what ISP you have, because a router isn't supported by any ISP's? Unless you buy it from the ISP directly.

Netgear and Linksys seem to be the best in my opinion.

I have used about 4 or 5 of them with good success!