usb adsl modem--can i use wireless router?

A new job has forced me to buy a laptop and turn my old 750 mhz desktop over to my girlfriend, so we need to share our cheap broadband service (an ADSL connection through a usb modem). I've looked around but the only thing I've been able to find that *might* get me connected to a wireless router is a sort of adapter that appears to be intended as a way to create an ethernet port out of a usb port (why anyone would pay $50+ for that is beyond me). Somehow I doubt that that will solve my problem, I can't see that kind of rigged setup working with one of these notoriously touchy modems, and in any case I don't think all the plugs will go in the right way. Anyone solved this problem before? I can't be the first... I'm so far behind the curve my mom laughs at me. I don't even have a cell phone.

thanks!

If you have a dsl, you can share it by getting a router/access point like this one:http://www.linksys.com/products/pro...cid=35&prid=508
Then you need an adapter like this one http://www.linksys.com/products/pro...cid=36&prid=507 for your laptop. If you don't have a pc card like that adapter requires, something like http://www.linksys.com/products/pro...cid=36&prid=519 which plugs into the usb port will do it.
http://www.homenethelp.com/802.11b/index.asp has an overview of wireless networking
HTH

Thanks Karsh but I don't think that is my solution. The problem as I understand it is that I have a USB modem and not an ETHERNET modem. According to the computer store guys I talked to today I need to buy an Ethernet modem first and also a wireless router. Please correct me if that is wrong, they might be trying to just sucker me out of money.

Oops, didn't really pay attention to the USB part.
You might be able to find a wireless usb router (I was only able to find a wired usb router with a quick search, but it might exist). If you had a usb router, then you would not need a new modem.

However, if you cannot find a usb wireless router, you will need to get an ethernet modem, which will work with pretty much any wireless router. You will also need the adapter, as I mentioned above. This will plug into a usb port on your computer, or into the pc card slot.

Thanks for the info. I wasn't even able to find a usb router, but I am not totally familiar with the terminology just yet. Anyway we're moving in a few months and I'm going to ditch this isp (took six weeks to hookup and they have a 0900 pay number for customer service--you dont know how good you have it in the US.) Next time around I'm going to get an ethernet modem instead.

Also, is it always necessary to have some sort of external adapter in order to connect to a wireless network? I was led to believe that this laptop had it built in already (toshiba a10 sattelite or something). There is a little switch on the front of it that turns on the wireless port, or at least that is what I think it is supposed to do.

thanks

A new laptop could indeed have integrated wireless access. You'll want to look in your documentation to determine which standard it uses (probably 802.11b, 802.11g is faster and newer). If you have integrated wireless, you'll just need the wireless router/access point. If you wanted to connect another computer, such as your older desktop, then you will need an external adapter, or add a wireless card.

I've finded a wireless usb router, but I have to tell you, it is pretty expensive and then I'm talking about $200,- or maybe more.
Draytek have te opportunity.
the address is: http://www.draytek.co.uk
take a look at the site (under products) and you will find the router...