It seems that both NIC's have the option of being set to full-duplex/100, therefore I forced them both to that setting.

The router, although it doesn't have any options in the firmware, according to a manufacturer (netger) is also capable of doing fd100.

The speed didn't increase one bit and now the WAN is ocasionally timing out. WTF? Should I set it to half-d 100.

Also, what is the proper procedure for making changes this way? (should I shut down the systems first &/or reboot the router)

by the way, cables are fine