yep you got it.
Then every month check what the updates are and install the sensible ones.
If all the others are talking to the wireless router and obtaining an IP address I am 99% sure its the N110 giving you grief.
I wouldn't be to sure a fixed IP address will work if the network driver is squiffy you would be very lucky if it only effected the DHCP aquire functionality.
Actually if you go into the netgear you should be able to see if its even sending out a request for a lease in the logs.