HOW do I set up WI-FI in my new laptop?

Question

I just bought a laptop (HP pav dv6000), and it is wi-fi enabled.
Can someone explain to me how to connect my desktop DSL (2wire ethernet) to my laptop?
I remember the cable guy saying that if i got a laptop in the future I could hook it up thru the DSL... but I have no idea how to do that.
I want to use my laptop wireless at home (not stealing my neighbor's). I looked online but what is a router exactly?
is it one of those USB's that people have in their laptop?
Please please please be specific I'm very clueless about this wi-fi technology. THANKS!

Answer 1

You have an Internet Service Provider and they furnish there subscribers with a MODEM for Ethernet cable connection.
To get wireless service to your new Laptop that is wireless reqady you need a Wireless ROUTER. Instead of connecting from your ISP's Modem to your Computer you connect from your ISP's Modem to the WAN Port on the wireless ROUTER, and if you need to connect another computer with an ethernet cable you then connect it to the LAN Port on the Wireless ROUTER.
This will enable you to use both computers symltaniously. The function of the Router is to direct traffic. It allows several computers to be online at one time without interuption that is the function of the router.
Don

Answer 2

Does the 2Wire router have extra Ethernet ports on the back? If it does you need to a straight-through patch cable (pick one up at staples) and you will need to be sitting within cable range of the router. If the router has an Antennea, you can use the laptop's WiFi to connect to it through there. Be aware that your router likely has WPA or WEP security enabled. In which case you will need to supply the network password to access the internet wirelessly. Consult your 2Wire manual for instructions on how to access the router configuration page to either view or change this network password. I could help if I knew exactly what model you had, but there are so many different ones that it is hard to tell sometimes.