Ethernet or USB?

[silver_rush1]

Im a bit in the dark with all this networking and rapidly advancing internet. could som,eone tell me straight the pros and cons of using a USB adapter modem, or an ethernet based modem, iv heard ethernet is better? is it faster? how much faster.

Also on another note, whichever you recommend as best for the above which would be a recommended router/wireless networking solution if i want my adsl bb to run thru a PC (which the modem sits next to) and my laptop on which i intend on getting PCM.... card for wireless access, iv heard different figures like 11mbs floating around and find it all quite confusing. please help!

[Ice Kay]

ethernet, as usb will use cpu resources.

[nichomach]

Im a bit in the dark...like 11mbs floating around and find it all quite confusing. please help!

The answer to all of the above is "get a wireless ADSL modem/router". Your PC will be behind a device with a firewall, so more secure, you'll be able to plug the wired ethernet from your PC into it, and you'll also be able to link your laptop wirelessly. All in one box.
THIS is £80, but you get a USB wireless ethernet adapter thrown in as well. They were doing a version with a PCMCIA card; that appears to no longer be available.