I am also with Virgin and have a very similar set up to yours.
I bought a Linksys WRT 54 G wireless router 3 years ago - not a minutes trouble.
The desktop is connected by hardwire to the router (my choice, I could have it wireless) and the laptop is wireless so can be used anywhere in my house and garden (or at my neighbour's if I take my laptop next door).
The router comes complete with all instructions and shouldn't be too problematic. It is simply a case of reading ALL the instructions first and following them to the letter. If it tells not to connect yet - you don't. And switch everything off at the mains if told to.
The router is all you need.