The estimable PC support company called Traveling Software (206-483-8088) sells a $50 road kit specifically designed for modem-connection crises.

Power off the DSL modem and your computer. Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to the modem and the other end to the Ethernet port on your computer. Power on the modem, and then power on your ...

While a modem is a plug-and-play device, connecting it to a multi-line phone system will require some additional hardware to provide uninterrupted service.

There's a second option: the Dual PC Modem for dial-up users by Actiontec Electronics (about $60 to $70).

1. How to connect mobile internet to a PC with USB tethering Mobile phones have long had a modem feature, allowing you to hook up the device to your computer via USB.