Beginner's question

[Imonwheels]

I am going to set up a wireless home network with my existing computer and a new lap top. First can I use the existing USB connection to my cable modem (being that I don;t have a network card) and then just simply connect my modem to a router? Second for the time being can I have my laptop connected to the modem via ethernet cable (have a network card) and my desktop with the existing USB connection and have both connected to the internet without a problem? (Problem being speed reduction and what not)

Thank you very much for your assistance and the patience for fielding a question from a networking donkey like myself!

[talco]

please provide Manufacture and modle for the modem, the router and the laptop card adaptor.

I didn't understand what you want to do.
Does your router have USB connection?
Is your desktop computer have wire or nen wire network adaptor?

[Imonwheels]

Sorry if I was unclear. As of right now I have a desktop connected to a motorola sb4200 surfboard modem via usb. I would like to purchase a lap top with a wireless network card built in so I can roam the house with my laptop and be connected to the internet. I would also like to use the built in ethernet card to have a wired connection to my modem while in my room. THe question I have about that is can I have my desktop connected via usb and my laptop connected via ethernet cable at the same time. The question I had about the wireless part was how simple would it be and do you have any recommendations are far as specific routers. The wireless card would prob be an intell 2200 or something like that. I've been looking at the dell inspiron 6000 which includes this card. I hope I made that more clear. Thanks for the response.

[talco]

When you buy a wireless router, it also come with ethernet outlet so no problems here.
If you want to connect to the modem with the usb and the ethernet outlet, no problem here.
To set set up wireless network, no problem, it plug and play and for any problems you have this forum.
Don't forget to setup the security and I guess for this you will need this forum.
About recommendation - the only problem I have is that the equipment is changing from country to country. I like Edimax (and 3com but they are but expensive) if you don't find it just know that good companies will give you 3 year warranty.

...
Don't be tempted to by 802.11b (it will be out in less then a year), the new standard 802.11g