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any standard eithernet card is fine. you will need a broadband modem usually provided by verizon and software also provided to install.
oh and filters on the other phone jacks.

Thanks for the quick response. Verizon did, in fact, send me a modem (Westell 6100) and installation CD. I was unable to connect.
The systems check stated that my modem was not connected to my computer. I re-checked everything carefully and am confident all was properly connected. I contacted their tech support: lst contact told me I had to re-install 98 Windows. The 2nd contact told me I did not have an ethernet connection and should try USB connection. The tech was to send me a CD that would help with that. The CD received was nothing more that the installation CD and totally useless. My last and most recent contact told me that the Ethernet
NIC adapter needed upgrading. So, I'm totally at a loss as what the problem could be. I'm wondering if it is the modem itself (I've seen better quality toys at the Dollar Store, compared to this flimsy modem they sent me). I realize I have an old system, and plan to upgrade the hardware and systems, but not until the end of the year. I'm trying to hang on to this a little while longer. Before I resign myself to having to keep the dial-up, I would like to explore any options that could get me the DSL. Any ideas or suggestions?? If you think a different modem might help, what is a good quality one?? (FYI: security software programs were closed, fax, printer disconnected, dial-up modem and connection was disconnected, appropriate filters for broadband modem were installed. I feel confident I covered all the possible negative things could have messed this up). Thanks.

well lets approach this from a different angle. are you able to connect this computer via the eithernet cable to any other computer via a hub or router? (win98 should be no problem i have a daugher with a piece of junk computer still using 98 and it connects to my router configuration just fine. (im using verizon myself) personally i perfer the routher way of connection. the entire web connection software is situated in a seprate piece of hardware and i connect any of my computers into it like a network and it just connects. the ppoet software is part of the router.

I'm not sure how to respond. I don't know what a hub or router is.
I do know that a Verizon system check confirmed I had an ethernet connection, but they're saying I need an update before I can connect to their system. This is crazy. The 3 times I've been on the phone with their tech support, it's always a problem with my computer, not their system. Please note that this computer was given me by my son when he updated the family's electronics, and there is a Router (not connected) in the lower right hand side, a systems tool bar thingie)
This is also a D-Link AirDWL-520Wireless adapter next to the Router.
Is this what you're talking about. Frankly, I think they don't know why I can't connect and are telling me anything to get me off the phone. They continue to charge me for service that I do not have.
And, of course, I'm still carrying my Dial-Up to access the Internet.
I'm sorry I can't give you answers about the things you asked. Maybe
the little infor I gave you might ring a bell. (This is the first time I'm e xperiencing any interaction with this ethernet connection) Also, there were multiple computers at my son's home, so the router might have been used for that?? I am the only person using a computer. This is the only one here. Thank You.

have you asked your son to come over and help you install it, since he has the exp. you can show this thread to him. your eithernet connector should be perfectly capable of supporting the connection between your computer and thier modem. it is possible that you have additional software and even hardware that is not needed and might be interfering.
definitions:
hub: simple network connector box that would let you connect up 2 or more computers together into a working network for the purpose of sharing files/printers/internet access
Router: similar to the hub a router also contains software and connections to allow a DSL or Cablemodem to operate so that any computer attached to the router can access the internet without special software installed. the routher usually also contains an DCHP server to assign addresses to any computer connected automaticly. there is usually a configuration page that can be accessed from any of the networked computers.

it is clear that the home support from verizon is lacking. the last time i had to talk to them i got so much runaround im still spinning. however with a bit of twisting it is usually possible to get things on the right track. it is also possible that the CD that they sent you to configure your computer just doesnt support windows 98 in that case thier reference to upgrade might make more sense. (ask your son for help) a router might be the quickest way to a solution and can be as cheap as 15-30$

This is good advice. Thanks. I'll go that route. Thanks for the definitions. I do intend to press Verizon just to make sure they are doing 'all they can'. I don't think these techs are the greatest. I ran across a blog where a guy couldn't get on because he was too far from the main server, and, yet, they never told him and continued to charge him. He was furious. I'm going to make sure that, in fact, it is my computer and not them, at which time I'll have my son come and see if we can figure this out. Also, the point you mentioned about the CD and compatibility with connection is a really good one.
Another angle to explore with Verizon. Thanks ever so much for your patience and time. You've been really great. If all else fails, I'll just cancel the service, and stick with my dial-up until I can upgrade my hardware and system. I'll let you know how I make out when all is resolved. Thanks again. gracie61

ok good luck with it. DSL or any broadband really is much better than dial up when it works.