Hex? numbers and wireless connections

I have an iBook with a graphite airport with a dialup. I bought a Compaq Presariao 2104us to have access to those sites which have poor or non-existent Mac capabilities.

The lower-right button on the Compaq brings up the "hotspots" in the area. It shows my Airport Name but won't let me connect. (It was a real eye-opener to have that name show. Also going to try to change that obvious name.)

I tried going to the iBook to set permissions and was asked for info I don't know how to find. (Tried the Apple Profiler) Another spot indicated that unless I entered hex numbers, the "hotspot" was open to anyone. (but me since I don't have a clue) I ran screaming.

If I hadn't been shook, I might have used the "Airport Assistant and Utility" programs. Would it give me the HEX numbers related to assigning passwords or whatever or is there something easier than needing TECHeese HEX numbers?

Before I venture into this area again, please tell me how to gather the necessary numbers, or whatever required by Airport, iBook and Compaq and my ISP and ??. If it matters, I have Norton Firewall on the iBook and ZoneAlarm Pro 4 on the Compaq (and am stumbling thru that maze). Made one direct phone-line connect of the Compaq--wish I remembered how I did that. Apple did a good job making me think I might know something about computers and then I hit this wall.

My goal is to let my Compaq use the Airport's dialup and lockout any opportunist who might push a similar button and see my Airport's name. (If someone finds a way to use my Airport can they also see my computer? One revenge, I unplug my Airport when I'm thru. I can hope they are into something important when I pull the plug.)