<p>When connecting to the internet in your dormroom you simply plug from the internet connection in the wall to your laptop, you dont need a modem or what not as you do with as desktop right? </p>
<p>This is probobly a retarded question but I was thinking and realized i didnt know so enlighted me.</p>
<p>You don't need a modem with a desktop at most colleges anyway. You'll connect a category 5 ethernet cable from the ethernet port in the wall to the network card in your computer.</p>
<p>A modem basically converts your DSL or cable signal into something your computer can understand (and vice versa). When you plug into an ethernet port on a network, somewhere on that network there is some sort of 'modem' (although it will be much different than your little cable modem Comcast sent with your installation kit). All you have to do is plug in, whether you're using a desktop or a laptop.</p>
<p>You could also bring your own wireless router and connect wirelessly from within your dorm room if you're the type of person that would enjoy laying down in bed surfing the web or whatever.</p>
<p>although I know a lot of colleges prohibit hooking up your own wireless network because they don't want it to conflict with the school's wireless network, which would kind of make setting up your own router pointless anyways.</p>
<p>ok thanks alot i was just kinda confused</p>