OT: ADSL safe practices and setting up a home network

[Richard England]

I'm looking into entering the 21st century and need some help finding 
out how to go about setting up an ADSL connection at my home. Can anyone 
give me some good novice references for what is required for a safe 
connection in the way of cable modems, routers, hardware firewalls, and 
how this is all connected?

Any pointers gratefully accepted, and feel free to email me directly.

Thank you,

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--R
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