Well.....instead of reformatting my hard drive I of course end up putting even more stuff on!
Thanks 2 the advice on here I've now got 2/3rds of a wireless network up and running and am very impressed (so far) with the Netgear equipment I bought of Ebay.
The problem was the wireless firewall router that I bought (which fair enough I knew was refurbished) was supposed to come with a quote "UK Power supply".
Hmmmmm....actually it was a universal power supply suitable for UK voltage BUT ACTUALLY HAD A 2 PIN USA FITTING !!!
I was a bit miffed as I was itching to get everything running straight way - I knew adaptors were quite easy to get but I decided on another route.........
Its strange how automotive knowledge can be used in other places
- Two female electrical connectors opened up slightly slipped on a treat and wired up to a 3-pin plug means I didnt buy anything extra at all and was up and running 15 mins later.
just be aware of this little EBay scam boys and girls - I could of got the same item cheaper as peeps are also selling them without a power supply as well - but quite a bit of chew to get the right stablised supply I guess (Tandy & Argos both do reasonable multi plug DC power supplies but obviously, you need to be careful).
SO the router works fine and my wifes laptop now has a wireless net connection which I'm very impressed with - now I just want to learn how the Firewall works before deciding if I can remove my software firewall and let the hardware do its stuff before going the whole hog and fiting the PCI card in the main PC to go fully wireless (ethernet cable at present) any comments welcomed !!!!
Regards - Frank