In order to connect to a secure wireless network, the user needs to use a pre-shared key. But once a connection is established between the router and the computer, what key is used to encrypt the data? Does the router invent a new PSK and passes a different one to each host or do all the connected hosts use the same psk to encrypt their data?

Thanks, I'll go ahead and give that a try. I just need to get a wireless card that supports monitor mode. 

@TheXero Do you use you card on Windows or Linux?

It may be me, but mine works well on Windows but I had problems last year on Ubuntu and Backtrack 3.

I haven't tried it since then...

I primarly use it with Windows 7, with no issues

However I was using it through the training period for my OSWP cert in VMware Workstation for BackTrack 3, and 4/R1

Mine gets used alot, as its my primary method of connecting to the internet these days lol (on Windows)

I haven't used the card in windows. Are you sure that Windows7 supports Promiscuous mode for that card?

Well, you're not going to do much with that card on Windows anyway.

The best tool I've seen for looking around at wireless networks while on Windows is inSSIDer (http://www.metageek.net/products/inssider). There's also Vistumbler (http://www.vistumbler.net/) but not really my preference.

You will not be able to inject packets with that adapter on Windows (as far as I'm aware).

I've used the AWUS036H and the AWUS036NH on both Windows and Linux with no issues. The H model seems to get better results despite the NH supposedly having more power.

You'd be better off booting a virtual machine with the BT4 pre-built VM and VMware Player or you could use VirtualBox. Once on Linux, it'll be much easier...

airmon-ng start wlan0