Just bought a 2nd hand wireless router. How do I protect my new network to prevent "piggybacking"?

The router is a Belkin Wireless G Plus. I want to connect a laptop running Vista and wireless-enable PC running XP.

Public Comments

1. First, perform a factory reset of the router. Then visit the Belkin website and follow their instructions on configuring and securing your router. - Change the default password - Enable WEP or better wireless security - Change the default wireless code - Consider disabling SSID broadcast - Consider specifying permitted MAC addresses (for only your PC network cards)
2. Change the name of the router so noone will recognise it's make (serial numbers etc can be hacked easier if you know what router it is) then change the system password to another one which includes numbers caps and normal letters along with symbols @<, etc. Then also set an admin password on it to stop changes being made without a specific log in
3. Enable Encryption - WEP/WPA - Do not brodcast the SSID. Turn on MAC filtering. With MAC filtering on those PCs you enter will be able to connect.
4. Put a password or access code in the router.
5. First, set up a password on the router. Then if someone does find their way to it, they will not be able to get in. Then turn of the feature where the router broadcast its SID id (or name). That will keep it from showing up on anyone else's computer as an available network. They would have to know the name of the network and type it in manually to be able to connect. Finally, use the feature which only allows the MAC addresses (the unique number build into each network card) that you specify to access your network. Without the password, the network's name, and an authorized network card, a person can not get on to your network. That is about as secure as you will ever get.
6. Change the code for it. Make it protected.
7. Your wireless router has a WEP key generator build into it, once you have it enabled it will generate a WEP key for you, once you are connected to your wireless network, windows will ask you for a WEP key (just like a password). Once its on your computer you can now disable the SSID broadcast on your wireless router so that no one can see you. But to disable to broadcast you must have one computer directly connected to the wireless router. The router manufacturer usually has a 24/7 tech support that can assist you with this. Linksys can remotely do this for you but not sure if your router brands has one of those tools.
8. I cannot believe that people still recommend WEP. It has been comprehensively broken for years now. It is not secure from a half competent script kiddy. Turn on WPA or WPA2 with PSK (pre shared key).