I want to use a laptop, and have it linked to our main computer so that I can connect to the internet from the laptop.
Is this done using a wireless router? Or am I barking up the wrong tree?
Do I need to "get a little man in" to set it up, or is it something you can do yourself? (I'm not good with computers so wouldn't be able to do anything complicated!)
Yep done with a wireless router which will replace your existing modem or router.
They are not really hard to setup but if you are unsure and you know a "little man" to come and do it and it's not gonna cost you a fortune then may be easier to get him to install it, just make sure he sets the security up on it too.
Ethel is right, I was using the common terminology, strictly speaking a wireless router will not replace your modem, a wireless router/modem (which is just both bits in one box) will replace your modem.
if you are on virgin you just need a wireless router if you have ADSL through your phoneline then a wireless router/modem is what you need