setting up a unix-based wireless home network
 

Well, as the subject says I want to set up a Unix-based wireless network for my house. When I say 'unix-based' I mean linux and *BSD. When i say wireless I want 802.11b or g since my AP on my router supports both. I have no preference of b or g since I dont know much about wireless networks, but I am guessing G is better.

I at least want one desktop/server system I have to use wireless. My AP on my Linksys Wireless G (which also supports B) works fine and is setup. I am currently using it for wired networking. I have already purchased a D-Link DWL-520 (i think rev E) which is an PCI adapter for 802.11B. It seems many people have had problems getting this to work in Linux as D-Link only provides Windows drivers. I also have purchased a Linksys Wireless-B USB network adaptor. It also only has Windows drivers.

Although it would be nice to use my existing hardware, I would rather buy new hardware than spend hours and have headaches over configuration. Time I would rather spend coding or doing other activites. I have a question 'hit-list' below:

1. Is my hardware compatible?
2. What should I buy that will work out of the box or be very easy to configure?
3. What is difference in B and G protocols?
4. I have heard Linksys provides good PCMCIA cards for linux, what are they called?
5. Would PCMCIA->PCI converters be useful (i need a desktop on wireless)?
6. If all fails, will Windows 2000 and WinXP drivers work on Windows Server 2003 or similar?

Notes:
My OS of choice is Slackware Linux. Most machines very close to the AP (less than 20ft.). My wireless knowledge is fairly limited.