I-net access via modem has been pretty much superseded at this point by broadband technology offerings -- i.e. xDSL or Cable. Check for ISPs "Internet service providers" in your area that offer broadband plans, with price/performance/reliability characteristics that will meet your needs, or at least, be acceptable to you. [When] you finally sign up for a broadband account, you most likely will receive a CPE "customer premises equipment" device, more commonly referred to as a "broadband modem". At this point, you can pick up a residential router (very inexpensive) that will connect to your "broadband modem", and in turn, you will be able to connect your laptop to the router via a standard Ethernet cable. You may also purchase such a router with WiFi capability, allowing you to either plug in via cable, or connect wirelessly to the Internet. You may disable SSID broadcasting on the WAP/router combo, and configure your notebook so as to avoid the "looking around for networks" you wish to avoid. Should you require clarification or expansion on any of these points, simply post your question here on Yedda, or feel free to e-mail me direct....