The modem that will connect you to the internet is called a router. You basically just plug your computer into it and your on line. Once you're setup and plugged in you just keep it running and it quietly does the job for you. This non intrusive instrument takes up less than 1 square foot of space and is around 2 inches high. Now, with the advent of DSL service, this speed is obtainable for as less that a quarter of that.
Prices change constantly so see our price section for details.
The slowest speed, and subsequently the cheapest price, obtainable through DSL service is 160kbps. That's close to 3 times the speed of your 56k modem. 56k modems don't run at 56k. A good average is 54k but your upload capability can be as low as 24k using a dialup line. Even at 54k the extra data required to encode and deliver the information across typical phone lines is enormous.