hi y'all!

i am pretty new to this computer stuff, but my parents offered to buy me a computer for school and i think i might take them up on it... that said, i don't know anything about them! i don't really need it to do a whole lot, just internet research and maybe microsoft word, ETC. i won't play games on it or anything. i would rather have a desktop, but i am not living in one place long enough to want to get service from any providers, and i didn't know what other ways you could log onto the internet or anything. i think LAPTOPS maybe have some kind of CARD you can use to connect to the internet? i really have no idea what i am talking about, but if any of you have any time and can help me out i would really APPRECIATE it!!

thank y'all!!If you're not doing anything advanced, almost any laptop will suit you.
Almost all laptops nowadays come with wireless abilities built in, which MEAN you can connect to wireless hotspots, typically paying a fee for a certain amount of time.
Is that what you want?Yes i think what calum suggests will suit you the most, laptop will be the best option for you. infact im buying a laptop next month for exactly the same reason. You might want to check the availability of hotspots in your area and what fees they charge. In my area there is not a hotspot within 50 miles of my house.