As the author of the WWW FAQ, I regularly answer questions about the workings of the Web. If a question is frequently asked, I simply add an article to the FAQ. But sometimes a question is more detailed, more in-depth— not really a FAQ, but still of interest to others. You'll find those questions, with my answers, here in Innards along with commentary on other web-technology-related topics.

Q. Why is my modem (Qwest Actiontec with Wireless Gateway) called "Wireless" if one has to connect computers physically to it?

I can connect my laptop to the USB on my modem and it will work with my computer and the laptop, but I envision being able to use internet on another computer in another room when I think "wireless".

A. What model number is this modem? Some Qwest Actiontec routers are merely "wireless-ready." Apparently meaning that you have to buy an additional card for them to make them act as wireless routers. See Qwest's customer service page for the Actiontec 1520.

If your model is merely "wireless-ready" and doesn't have wireless hub capabilities built-in, I suggest buying a separate wireless router and connecting that to your router as you would otherwise connect a PC (see the wireless router's quick-start guide for very clear examples). These can cost $50 or less and they are not specific to a particular ISP - you can keep on using them if you switch to cable Internet, for instance.