OK, so I just bought a dell inspiron 1721 and have no internet access with it. The owner's manual tells me that, in order to get access to the net, I need an "express card". OK, I've got that. But I've also had people tell me that I need a router too. Forgive me, but I know absolutely nothing about these things, and nobody I know seems to be able to help me. My computer has a slot for a 34 or 54 mm card, but I still don't know what kind of card to get. Is there any specific kind of card I should get? Or does just about any 34/54 mm card work? And what about routers? Is there a certain kind I need of that? I don't even know what a router looks like! Anything anyone can tell me would be tremendously helpful. Thanks!

The card people are speaking of might be a wireless access card. Then again, your computer could have the wireless card built in.
You do need a wireless router. You can get one from your ISP (internet service provider).
Without the router, your other options are the old phone modem, or possibly an "anywhere"
Card from a Cell Phone Carrier.
Good Luck.