thank you!!!!
I'll get this info to hubby and when we're home tonight, run through the steps you gave... it's a linksys wireless router (99% sure, from memory, LOL! bought last autumn, is this enough info or do the models change frequently?...). gawd, what a stupid mess... sigh. thank goodness for your help!!
edit: just sent this info to hubby and he said "wow that is brilliant!!" so it should stop the hackers... big sigh of relief :-)