What make and model is the laptop?
You should also google wireless home setup and read up on it as its one thing to buy the parts and get it going but another when it suddenly doesnt work one day and you dont know why.
I run a D Link G604T Wireless router and my Dell laptop has wireless built in. Once the router is setup for your internet connection, just assign a key and when your laptop searchs, punch in the key. With a bit of luck it will retain the key in the laptop so anytime you are within range, it will connect.

Do a search on here as well, plenty of threads on it.

BTW - I am on wireless in the loungeroom with a beer and the TV and its great