Router reset?

Question

I got a letter about resetting my router password.
Very interesting e-mail they sent too.
WHAT is a router? And how do I give it a password or does it already have one?
I'm extremely ignorant about computers. I am a recent arrival on line.
I have DSL and a 6100G
Dell computer.
They didn't tell me what a router is or where.
Anybody know?
If someone knew how to give it a password that would be wonderful.
How could I tell if it came with a password?
Of if it came with a strong password or a weak password if so?
Mostly, WHAT is a router that needs a tough password because of security concerns(the e-mail says).
Any help would be appreciated. I'm computer dumb as a door nail. First time online this month.
Thank you.
croatoan (Dan)

Answer 1

The little box that connects your computer to the phone line (DSL) is the router.   If you open a browser on your PC and type the following URL into the address bar:   http://192.168.1.1
You will find your router will answer.   If a password has not yet been set, they'll be a dialog you can go thru to configure a userid and password (choose a good complicate password and write it down somewhere and stick it with your DSL information).   You won't need the userid/password during the course of normal operations, just if you need to do some advanced configuration -- which if you're new at this, you really shouldn't need to be doing.
If there's already a password set, follow the link in the message from verizon and they'll walk you thru what you need to do.