How & what do I need for a laptop to use my Internet

Just need to know if I need a wireless card, if so does xp come with that? Do I have to set up a network on my PC b4 they can access it?the internet i mean...What do I need to do...I always make sure all my remote stuff is off so no one can get in...lol I dont know exactly what I have all done tho...Can someone give me a run down on what to do so my friend can get on the internet with my cox cable surfboard motorola adapter...As far as I kno, I do not have a wireless card tho...

 

XP is an operating system, and does not come with any networking hardware.

If you intend to use wireless, you would need a wireless adapter for each machine, and a wireless router.

The modem would be connected to the router.

The router will come with four connections for use with standard wired Ethernet connections as well. So if you are within reasonable distance to run CAT5 ethernet twisted-pair cable, you can either purchase pre-made or make yourself a needed cable. This would only be the case where you choose wired instead of wireless.