You're not even telling if you want to connect wired (via Ethernet) or wireless (via WiFi).
Anyway, your PC or laptop should recognise both automatically, with one exception. If it's a laptop and it's wireless, it could be that it has to be activated via some software or hardware switch (the same switch you use in airplanes to shut the wireless off must now be used to switch the wireless on). In that case, see the user manual.
And there's always the possibility of bad hardware and bad or not-installed drivers. So, if it's a laptop, does it work wirelessly at a public hotspot?
Kees
brand new ethernet router that is working with my android phone, my house phone, and my nintendo wii but my computer is not detecting the new hardware. the installer suggested it was due to the vista system. has anyone else encountered this issue with vista?

Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic