Basic router security question

I have the wrt54g wireless router.  I have never set up security on the router but am going to now.  I have my desktop plugged directly into the router and my laptop connects wirelessly.  If I go to one of the encryption modes is it just my laptop that will need to know the encryption key to connect?  Because the desktop is plugged directly in will anything need to be done for it to connect after encrytion is turned on?
Second question , if the ssid is turned off how does my laptop find the router in order to connect to it?  Thanks.
Carl

Carl,
On your two questions:
1) Encryption only affects the wireless connection. Wired connections between your computer and the router are not encrypted. As an example, I upgraded to a Cisco E3000 router this week. I physically disconnected my old one, connected the new one and within 10 seconds my wired computer had Internet access. On the wireless side I had to re-configure everything including setting up encryption.
2) Your laptop will ask for a connection to the unbroadcast SSID and the router will respond with effectively, "Here I am." It's no different than you calling out someone's name when you're looking for them. They'll respond ... usually. Not broadcasting an SSID simply prevents people from finding the network by having their computer build a list.
Hope that helps.
Scott

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