An honest question - seriously.

If I install any of the Ubuntu family and the LiveCD does not have the tools
necessary to reach my ISP, where do I get those tools, assuming this is my
only computer and only access to the internet?

What I have is an ISP who requires user name and password at each ADSL
logon, just like a dialup modem. If I had a wireless router I could set it
up to handle the handshaking, but since I don't how do I connect?

Step by step would be helpful here.

Deb