Originally Posted by snuffle

if i got a router how would they work please, i am new to all this thanks, i want to connect my laptop with my home broadband, apart from buying the router would this cost me extra in the package from virgin thanks

It wont cost you extra in the package you get from Virgin.

A router is another piece of security, most these days are combined modem and wireless access point, you would connect the router to the phone line through a filter, you probably got those from your ISP, the router acts as the go between the Internet and your computer and it will probably have NAT, which is like a firewall.

You would connect your laptop either with an Ethernet cable to the router or wirelessly.

That's a quick outline of what they are and do if you want more information post back and we'll be able to help you

Originally Posted by snuffle

Hi, Just one more thing, when i set up my router it won't have any affect on the way my desktop computer runs the internet will it, and do i have to put the cd disk that comes with the router into the laptop or my desktop computer?

The router should have no affect on you desktop's internet connection.

Usually it is necessary to install the driver for the router on the computer you would like to connect. I would suggest referring to the installation guide that came with the router.