sharing internet connection using Alcatel Speedtouch USB dsl modem and a linksys WRT54G wireless router

I couldn’t find a single resource that didn’t suggest one of the following regarding my Alcatel Speedtouch USB DSL modem: burn it, toss it out the window, throw it in the street.

While funny, not very constructive. I decided to wing it, and with great success!

A few assumptions/requirements:
I only know pc configuration, not mac. I like macs, just can’t afford one.
Also, you will have to leave your connected pc on all the time. For me, this is not a problem, I only shut my main desktop off during lightning storms.

Ready?

Step one: share your connection.

Click properties on the dial up connection you use to connect to the internet (If you don’t use a dial up connection for DSL, you don’t have a SpeedTouch USB and should read no further). Click on the “advanced” tab and select “share this connection”.

Step two: connect your internet-connected pc to your WRT54G router.

Connect your Ethernet cable from your desktop to your wireless router. If you are using a wireless card to connect your internet-connected pc, then you should be able to skip this step (note: if you have trouble, try connecting physically, assuming you have a network card)

Step three: plug in your WRT54G router.

Plug the power cable in. The lights should come on and flash.

Step four: reboot.

Reboot your internet-connected computer. This should get it correctly attached to the router.

Step five: bring up your wirelessly-connected computer.

booooooot... booooooooooooot.

Step six: connect.

View available wireless connections. "Linksys" should be in the list. If it is, connect to it.
You should be able to browse immediately. If you can, you’re done. If not, go on to step seven.

Step seven: power everything down and bring it all up in sequence.

Shut everything down, unplug the power adapter from the Linksys router.
Plug the router back in. Wait until the lights stop blinking.
Boot your internet-connected pc.
Open your internet connection.
Once you are connected, boot up your wireless-connected pc.

Is it working?

If not, go back to the top of the page and consider the original suggestions!

...next issue: how to secure your completely wide-open, free to the general public, newly shared connection.