I have an unprotected dlink wireless router. Is there an easy way to set up a password that would block access by my neighbors?

The easiest is to use MAC filtering. Every PC has a unique address called a MAC address. You can set your router to only allow selected MAC addresses to connect to your router.

Turn on encryption (WPA) on the router!

This is the solution!

Another less secure, but very simple way would be to turn off the DHCP server in the router & use a static IP on your laptop. Most off-the-shelf wireless routers do have the same or similar client address ranges, but your unit may also give you the ability to change that range, making it harder yet for someone to guess those settings.

Turn on encryption (WPA) on the router!!

This is the solution!!

I would go with this option because this way you do not have to be setting up MAC's when your friends come home and want to connect ;)

I have the same dilemma "tmp1966" I will try this as well.

Turn on encryption (WPA) on the router!!

This is the solution!!

YES, Encryption is the easiest way to go.

However, I love the mac address filtering because it allows me to block my kids access when needed, and allow myself online. This is a little more complicated then setting up encryption.

Jackie

This may be an old post -- showed up as TODAY on search

YouTube - Why you should protect your wireless network with WPA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A88XB7_Jz7s)

need to protect your wireless network - Google Search (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=need+to+protect+your+wireless+network&btnG=Google+Search)