what device do i need to connect my computer to a wireless router?

your computer needs to have WIFI built in, or else you can go and get what is know as a USB adapter which will make a connection to a wireless router. That's the best choice. For a Desktop computer, you can also get a card which installs internally, but the USB adapters are a lot easier to use.

A wireless card. There are a few types. They are classified by the number 802.11 and a letter at the end.

Not every letter seems to be used. You can B, G, and N types.

802.11b is quite slow. 802.11g is very common- it works great for me except for when transferring files over the local network or downloading large files. 802.11n is the latest.

Make sure your router is at least as quick as the network card you choose. You might want to research brands as well- there are some rather poor ones out there (at the same time, you may want those since they're inexpensive and some will work just fine for light home use).

If its a laptop it typically has a 802.11 adapter (Wireless adapter - Wifi). However if you want to connect a desktop to wireless, you get USB wireless converters. There are ETH wireless receivers as well. You can connect either to a USB or the ETH and this Receiver will connect you using the Wifi wireless network.

Wireless card that you install in a pci slot inside your pc or you can get a wireless thumb drive that connects to a 2.0 usb port or a wifi card that is used for a laptop

A wireless card for a desktop (I assume its a desktop).

Posted link to one for $8 in sources. Unless you are connecting directly to the router, in which case all you need is a Network Interface Card (NIC) and some CAT5 (or CAT5e) Ethernet Cable. Google it =)

A wifi card, or access point.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?_dyncharse...

If you are on a laptop, you can use a wireless card that plugs into the side or it may already have built in WiFi.

If it is a desktop, it is best to use an access point like the ones in the link above.

modem when u get internet just connect the modem to the router

go to frys and they will let you know all the choices.

ask the geek