I just installed a wireless D-Link WBR-1310 to my home system so that I could add my new Toshiba laptop to the network.

How can I set the system so that my neighbors don't help themselves to my network?

Spoons:) :D

Look for the settings in your wireless router setup that refers to WEP. You will need to enable a WEP key and then type the same key into your wireless connection on your laptop.

You can also set your router to not advertise its network name (SSID). You will need to give it a name and type this name into your wireless connection on the laptop.

By assigning a WEP key, you are denying access to your neighbors because they will not know the "password". And by not advertising the SSID, it will not be found by other computers that are trying to discover available wireless networks. It makes your network invisible.

The last step is to assign an administrator password to your router so that it can not be broken into from the Internet. Make your password one with letters and numbers so that it is not as easy to guess. Do not forget to write it down.