I occurs to me that I never get a virus on my laptop which accesses the web through a wireless router. I assume that somehow the router is providing some protection?? If that's the case , why not have the desktop access the web through a wireless card and wireless router? I'm sure I'm missing something here because it sounds too easy.

So what am I missing?

an anti-virus and malware software?

It depends a lot on your behavior.

You're on an isolated network which means a virus has to get inside your firewall. Being wireless or on a network cable makes no difference.

Usually this will happen by opening a malicious email and executing the contents, or going to a website that attempts to install malware which may require administration privileges.

If you don't surf as a power user, use anti virus and spyware software, have a firewall and generally frequent the same (and safe) sites...you're chances are actually pretty low.

-spence