... I finally got a new hard drive for the laptop (have to send the old hard drive back - security issues) and installed my Linksys router and notebook adapter.
It seemed to go fairly simple once I did my reading up on the Verizon setup without using the install disk (apparently the install disk screws up the I Net connection with Verizon). I did as much security as I could at the moment, I'm debating to turn on MAC filtering but I don't think I need it ... my notebook found 2 other networks to hook into so any hacker HOPEFULLY will go to them, my network is invisible at this time.
I walked around the house and it seems I have a signal everywhere I might use the laptop including the hot tub (actually just outside the hot tub).
I was a little concerned because after I bought the router, wrt54g, I found a lot of negatives about it, along with some positives ... hopefully it'll work out.
Thanks to those who chimed in!