if you have just a modem you should have a cable in (coax) and ethernet out which hooks up to your computer. If you already have another computer hooked up to your modem, then you will need to purchase a ROUTER. A wireless router is the best way to go if you want to put your touchsmart somewhere yuor cables won't reach or if later you want to use a wireless laptop.
A splitter will generally not work and you will run into problems if you try to run more than one device at a time as your modem will only allow one ip address at a time. A router assigns ip addresses for each device on your network.

David

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/xz550rj/HPMagicGiveaway.jpg

Woohoo! I won my Touchsmart!

David, I think he means the TV cable, not the cable modem network connection. Once the signal is split he merely has to use the tuner on his pc to switch channels as long as the TS TV tuner is compatible with the cable provider's signals. Evidently, the Bushman has a cable system that runs TV, internet, and maybe some other multimedia as well. As long as he isn't trying to share the IP and only splits off the extra signal for TV only, he'll be okay, I think.
Evidently, he is okay, as he says it works just fine.
Dave

Good point, David, there may be a high or low pass filter that will enhance your network throughput and clean up your picture at the same time, ask your cable provider about such equipment, it is usually provided to customers free of charge, and eliminates the guesswork of trying to filter it yourself with Radio Shack generics. It's also important to use the best RG-6 or enhanced quad shield coax RG-6 cable to get the best video signal, especially for HD video.
Dave