Broadband confusion!

[Impret-Sir]

Hi, we are hoping to soon join the 20th century by getting broadband at home, however, I cam a bit confused by some of the technology. My PC has a 'VIA compatable fast ethernet adaptor' fitted inside, and of course an ethernet port to go with it. However, am I right in thinking that this will not work with a wireless router, but only a wired job?, like my old steam powered dial up connection?
Also, I am confused by the difference between a router and a modem in this context, I know what each of them does, but in ADSL terms are they they same thing in one box? Most broadband ISLs seem to advertise that their deals include a free wireless router, does that mean I need to have my own modem first? and a different card in the PC to connect to the router??
we do have a laptop also, but connecting to that is another problem for another day, I just want to understand all this re my desktop first.

[Ethel]

Fear not - you are making life a lot more complicated than it needs to be.

Firstly - broadband supplier. There are two types - one uses existing phonelines, ADSL, for which you must have a BT landline, regardless of who you pay the bill to.

The other sort is cable broadband supplied by Virgin. You don't need a BT phone line but do need to be in a Virgin cable area.

Now, if you choose ADSL the modem and router are usually combined.
If you choose Virgin you will need a separate router connected to the modem if you want to connect wirelessly.

When you have chosen your ISP and have broadband installed you can connect in two ways - by ethernet cable, for which your pc is perfectly capable; or wirelessly.

Your pc may be wifi enabled. If it isn't you can buy a wife adapter fron around �6 - like these:
http://www.blueunplugged.com/c.aspx?c=41106

If your pc is going to be situated near to the modem (or modem router) you are far better to use ethernet cable. Faster, and more secure, than wireless.

[Ethel]

If your pc isn't wifi enabled and you don't want a dongle clogging up your usb port, you can install a card like this:

http://www.eclipsecomputers.com/product.aspx?c ode=NE-PWIRE54&af=50

[Impret-Sir]

Thanks for that information, ( I was interested to see I could buy a wife adaptor for about �6!, what will she be able to do after its fitted?!).
So, with ADSL, the modem and router are in the same unit, external to the pc? and presumably needing its own power source, then connected to the ethernet port on the pc?