adsl/linksys & cisco type routers - query

hi bawer, ive never actually looked into this 'firmware' but im assuming it is like a service pack or ios for routers, but if i buy something like this from the shop i thought it would already have the neccessary firmware on it or are you saying before i buy from a random shop/internet ensure that it has the correct feature/firmware on it.

although normally when i look on the box it shows a description of say it uses or has the ability to run:

- dhcp
- wireless etc

so im still left wondering!!!!

ok linksys is owned by cisco i did not know that!!!

hi works2011, thanks for that input useful to know!!

the popular routers ive seen appear to be:

- linksys
- netgear
- dlink
- & cisco if affordable to businesses

question 1.  does anyone have any preferences ?

question 2.  correct me if im wrong but what about setting up 'vlans' as was told im sure it was 'linksys' that the whole ip range has to be created as cannot just create 1 or 2 or 3 or more for example and what about this 'vlan hopping' functionality that is within cisco ?

question 3.  when i look in shops like 'maplins' or ebay the internet im spoiled for choice as something maybe more affordable or preferential that all of the above but due to never heard of some of those name im reluctant to even touch one!!!  can anyone educate me or is it just down to actually buying one and experiencing for myself just like, nike or puma, or addidas or none of the above and go for a cheaper pair of not nike for eg ?

question 4.  if i chose anyone of the above and as im used to using 'cisco switch' 2950 for eg, should/can i use as normal with those routers as i could also setup 'standard spanning-tree or rapid spanning-tree', or should i stick to same brand switches aswell, but do they even use 'standard spanning-tree/rapid spaning-tree/per vlan stp' for eg but not sure if there are features that i would need to be aware of prior to buying or would i just contact the manufacturer and request if they have it a 'firmware' update' as 'spanning-tree' speeds up the layer network for eg, so not even sure if these4 other brands mentioned above even use this feature, although im assuming this feature is aimed at more enterprise type brands and not the small business end hardware devices ?

question 5.  can anyone give me some education other than reading the box description and communicating with the manufacturer on 'firmware' specific update requests beyond the sold item in shop, although making decisions quicker and on the actual day is better rather than having to go through this whole procedure as it may not work with some function of win 2003/2008/sbs 2003/2008/2011 ?

apologies for asking these last few questions as just wanted to get a hold on this knowledge so i know what to do!!!

thanks 'pony10us'  thanks for those comments they were definately useful!!   all i could do then is go to a forum site and find out from others if a particular model that maybe outdated has updates to fix problems, depending on the manufacturing fixing them or not or just bringing out another model and i may or may not be forced to buy!!!  ok clear!!

thanks for that 'linksys' link!!

sound advice!