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Each network should have it's own SSID and encryption key. If more than one AP are on the same network and you want to allow your users to roam, you can use the same SSID and key but different channels. Ie, router one broadcasts an SSID of "network A" on channel 6 and uses an encryption key of "key1" (note: do not actually use this as it's terrible). Router two also broadcasts an SSID of "network A" and uses the key of "key1" but broadcasts on channel 11. This will allow your users to move smoothly from one AP to the other. Keep in mind that in a setup where you have more than one AP on the same network, you'll need to ensure you only have one DHCP server. You can use one AP or the other, or you can use a separate router for the job.
You can disable SSID broadcast if you want to, but be advised that this won't stop any but the most casual/clueless of intruders. You can also enable MAC filtering, which will put up a similar roadblock. Neither of these are fool-proof -- the only sure way to secure your network is to use a proper encryption scheme with a strong authentication mechanism. WPA-PSK using AES with a long (16+ character) random key is the best choice.
Third party firmware for some routers will allow you to adjust the signal strength of your AP by tweaking the output power, but it's not usually worth it. As long as they're on separate channels they won't interfere with each other.
I have a strong preference for Linksys gear. In terms of consumer-grade equipment there isn't much better.
I think that about covers it.
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I wake up in the morning more tired than before I slept
I get through cryin' and I'm sadder than before I wept
I get through thinkin' now, and the thoughts have left my head
I get through speakin' and I can't remember, not a word that I said
- Ben Harper, Show Me A Little Shame
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