If a computer is wi-fi compatible can you still connect to the internet via a wired modem/router?

OK - a couple of points here so we;ll take them in order

1. Your current USB modem - it is not that Win7 is not compatible with USB modems, it is that your particular USB modem is an older one whose is not compatible with Win7 Your ISP is telling you a partial truth, in that the modem will not work with Win7, but not really why.

So first, check your contract with your ISP. If you are renting the modem, it will be on your bill and they are responsible for keeping it up to date. If your paying for it, they need to come out and fix it, problem solved.

If you own it - you could be stuck - so read on

First - do not take the ISP's word that you have to get a new unit. Get the manufacturers name and model number from the nameplate on the modem, go to the manufacturers website, and see if they have an updated firmware/driver package for Win7

You may be able to upgrade the unit yourself.

If no luck - next step

Since you have only one computer, you are correct in that you do not need a modem/router or a wireless modem/router

All you have to have is a modem.

Win7 WILL work with USB modems, as long as they have WIN7 drivers. Just check before you buy.

But I do not recommend this approach

I recommend you buy a ASDL modem/router, but not a wireless modem/router.

Or a ASDL modem with Ethernet connectivity and a wired router

I agree with your assessment of wireless. If you don't need it, don't use it (FYI - most wireless routers allow you to turn wireless off)

Why?

1. Security - With just an ASDL modem connecting you to the ISP's network, you have nothing between your computer and the Internet except a software firewall. Using a router puts a second firewall between you and the outside world, In this day and age - that's a good thing

2. Future expansion - everything is going network today. Devices such as networkable printers and file storage systems are now readily available for the home. Everyone fills up their hard drive with music and video these days, and having a network ready to go means that hooking up a Network Storage device is a simple exercise.

3. Convenience - In my house, I always have my daughter or a friend over who at some point needs to connect to the Internet for some odd reason or another. Plugging and unplugging cables is a pain. I have a spare unused Ethernet cord always plugged in and coiled up on the desk. They want on the internet? Fire up the laptop and plug in the cord - there you go.

Hope that helps

Using any wired modem/routers should work without any problem, because once you install it and connect the desktop your internet connection should be up as well. It`s like having a wired connection from an internet providing company. The modem/router you will get will have a LAN port and your computer has one aswell. As soon as the modem/router is configured for internet access just plug the cable between the modem and computer and in short time you will be accessing the internet.

You should be able to connect a DSL modem either with the USB or ethernet ports. But don't connect them both. I would suggest you connect with the RJ-45/ethernet (the cable with the connector that looks like a big phone connector) cable and not the USB cable. Usually, just plugging in the ethernet cable (from the modem to your computer) should hook you up and you would automatically hook up to your LAN connection. If it doesn't hook up automatically (you will know right away because you can't get on the internet) , you will have to go into your network connections (from control panel is one way) and "enable" your LAN. You can do that by right clicking your LAN connection, and then selecting "enable". Since I have not used Windows 7 it might be a different scenario but I know Windows XP works this way. Good luck.

An ADSL modem/router does not have to be wireless.

There are non-wireless versions that you connect to with a LAN Patch cable cat 5e

Even the wireless versions have cable connectuions and you can turn the wireless part off.

Good luck

Ok several misspoken things in this question. First off, most, not all, laptops are built with a wifi antenna in them. Second, routers are always needed for wifi, unless you live in an airport or next to starbucks. What I mean by always needed is that your home needs a router to broadcast wifi signal to the house. Otherwise you'd have an antenna that doesn't do much. Third, desktop computers are almost NEVER equiped with a wifi antenna unless you specifically ask for it. So no, it's not there in yours, and you'd need to buy one to wirelessly connect to the web.

ive never fiddled with windows 7, but it sounds to me like W7 just doesnt like dial up too much.

usually a cable provider like comcast or knology will get you online (without using your phone jack..) for little to nothing.

alternatively, if you are one of those who does not watch tv, (and therefor needs no cable service) you would be in a different situation.

also, wireless is only secure if you use a WEP. (wireless encryption protocall) most people skip this part when they set up a router, but they know not it's importance. without encryption, anyone can piggy-back off of your ip adress and do whatever they feel like. (thats why WEP keys are important!)

Windows 7 is compatible with USB modems. I use one. and you can connect wired, no probs.

Truly, there is absolutely no comparability absolutely....simply because viewing television depends on the gunky creativeness of a Television entertainer who's main concerns are budget, ratings and popularity and Hell with theme integrity, or, for that matter, anything truly creative.

Of course u can if your system have a LAN port (looks like a bigger land-line phone jack on the back side of Ur PC).........

Yes, you will have an Ethernet port on the computer.