Les, have you got details on the product you are going to use? I'm a bit confused with what you are saying. Is it one of these? I've a feeling you are creating a wireless network (nothing wrong with that except you say you don't want to network - which would mean you can't share a connection to the internet).

I've set up a couple of stand alone USB modems and they have installed OK without needing the ISP details or having ADSL on the line.

If I'm right in guessing what you are getting, you would be able to have a full working network (without Internet access) before getting broadband.

I don't see any reason for removing or disabling the internal modem. Twoe of our PC's have one as does my laptop and my PC has an external serial modem connected. None are normally plugged into the phone line but they have been when broadband has failed. I've noticed that some broadband suppliers even offer thier own dial up account as part of the broadband package.

One point though. The router device I think you are getting is also a firewall so for your broadband connection you do not need software firewalls. Remember though that hardware firewall can only protect you when you are using its broadband connection. It can not protect you if/when you use the dial up.