How do I stop people from using my household wireless internet
connection? I have Windows XP (updates are current) and use a D-Link
web card and have a Netgear Wireless Router. Neither Netgear or D-Link provide
any useful information for securing a wireless network.

Hi Ndwolst

I recommend you read the Netgear page, Improving Your Default NETGEAR Security

http://kbserver.netgear.com/inquira/default.asp?ui_mode=answer&prior_transaction_id=779224&action_code=5&highlight_info=16778165,11,15&turl=http%3A%2F%2Fkbserver.netgear.com%2Fkb_web_files%2Fn101379.asp&answer_id=267305217#__highlight

and then check your print manual or find the manual online at the
Netgear website in order to implement the necessary changes.

Most wireless routers will support either WEP or WPA security (or both).
WPA is more secure, but not supported by older routers.
Whichever you decide to use, both the router and the adaptor need to support it.

Most Netgear routers are configured through a built-in web site. 
Pointing your browser to your router's internal IP address will
usually provide access to this site (usually 192.168.0.1 by default).

However you configure your wireless router, you MUST configure the
wireless adapter the SAME way, either using Windows XP's wireless
network wizard or proprietary software that came with your wirelss
adapter.