A few clarifications about 802.11b based on some of the comments in this thread:
Microwave ovens do operate in the same general frequency range as 802.11b networks (2.4GHz). Some cordless phones, wireless video senders, blue tooth, and other wireless devices also operate in this frequency range. 802.11b defines 11 channels starting at 2.4GHz. If you're experiencing interference with these various devices, try changing your wireless LAN card(s) to a different channel. I presently have a microwave, wireless video sender, and 802.11b network peacefully coexisting with each other.
Even for home use, it's important to turn on encryption. Without it, *anyone* within range of your wireless network can connect to it and potentially access your files, printer, internet service, and anything else attached to your network. Consider your wireless network, without encryption, to be akin to a broadband Internet connection (e.g., always on) with no firewall. 802.11b Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP=encryption): it's not just for corporations.
The Linksys and D-Link products do not support the stronger 104/128 bit WEP encryption mode, only the weaker 40/64 bit WEP. For roughly the same price as the Linksys and D-Link stuff you can buy SMC's wireless network gear and get the stronger 104/128 bit encryption.
Hope this helps someone...