I have a question for all people who've used Vista before, specifically with a wireless network, and have experienced the wireless lag spikes every 60 seconds. When you upgraded to Windows 7 does it still do that, or did Windows 7 resolve this issue? I heard that Vista users may upgrade to Windows 7 (dont have all the specific details on that) and wanted to do that if it will fix my lag issue.
Never hadf that problem on vista. Using w7 now.. havnt got that problem here either
Win 7 no lag spikes but am Using D-Link DIR-655 router. There has been two Updates to divers fore Win 7 fore Realtek Pci cards in the past month. Check drivers on your Lan Card. 
(I was Using Xp 32 SP 2 lots of spikes)
I have never had that problem with either OS.
Funny thing is, I didn't have lag spikes in Vista, but I got them by moving to 7.
(turning off IPv6 fixed it though)
I only got spikes in Halo 1 for pc in Vista, after I dualbooted XP I didn't have that problem...Im pretty sure it was my wireless card though..
Could be your Driver on your Modem I just updated my Motorola SB 5100 seems quicker
you can see the spike in RED in that pic. it happens exactly every 60 seconds, that was a mild one, its usually around 1500ms. its caused by a feature in Vista called wireless zero config. what WZC does is search for better wireless networks to connect to. it is extremely annoying. XP has this aswell, but you can disable it, whereas on vista you cannot disable it. I've tried the programs that are supposed to fix this and they do nothing. I was just wondering wether or not Windows 7 will do this as well.
my only other option is to drop a 50ft ethernet cable from my router, but my dad doesnt want me drilling holes in the walls.
Get your Internet provider to run anouther wire. Put your wireless router at the highest point run a wire to the lower one. 
I use to have drops in vista like every 10 mins or so, but win 7 fixed that problem, so it mite fix urs.
Wired is much faster anyway. You didn't say wireless 
talk to tyour isp