Testing the belief that "there are no stupid questions"... I want to get high speed internet (DSL or cable). My computer has a PCI Soft Data Fax Modem with Smart CP and Intel PRO/100 VE Network Connection. Do either of these work as a modem for high speed, or do I need to buy an external modem? Also, can a router work as a modem? And finally, to ask perhaps the stupidist question of all time, do I have to have tv cable service to get high speed cable (my building is already wired for cable)? Thanks for your expertise. For some reason, I just can't understand high speed internet workings. Liza

the Intel Pro/100 is your NIC or network card that you will plug the cat5 cable into. The dial up modem will work for A high speed connection. Yes you will need an external Cable/Dsl modem and the router will not substitute for this. A router is used when you want to connect more than 1 computer to the net to make an LAN. http://www.nslassociates.com/highspd.html

whoops, correction.. the dial up modem will NOT work for a high speed connection.

Neither your pci modem nor the intel pro 100 will work as a cable or DSL modem. However, you can use the intel pro 100 to connect the cable / DSL modem to your computer (intel pro 100 is a network card). Your broadband provider will furnish or sell you an appropriate modem. With most companies you do not have to already be a calbe tv subscriber to get cable internet service. However, most companies discount the price of cable internet service if you are already a cable tv customer with their service. A router cannot be used for / instead of a modem. However, you can use a router with a modem. In fact, many broadband modems today are actually modems and routers in the same box.

Thank you! You've answered my questions wonderfully. Liza