There are significant differences between wired and wireless computer networks and only you can decide which one is best for your purposes.  There are advantages and disadvantages to both. 

When home computing became available to the public, wired was the only way to go.  The equipment needed for wireless was even more expensive than for a wired network so many users opted to a central computer station that everyone in the family shared.  This was, of course, very inconvenient so when prices came down and technology improved on wireless devices many families took advantage of them! 

A wired network uses a modem to pick up the signal from your ISP (internet service provider) and connect your computer to the internet.  By connecting your computer to the modem via network cable, you have access to the internet.  Every computer, whether wired or wireless, will need a modem that connects the computer to the ISP.  There are still dial-up modems in use that use the telephone line to dial into the ISP and connect the computer to the internet but cable and satellite modems are now so affordable and so much faster, the dial-up modem is quickly falling out of favor with most consumers.

If you have more than one computer that you want to connect to your provider, you will need a router.  Simply put, a router is the link between two or more computers and the modem that provides internet connection.  Years ago, copious amounts of wiring were required to connect more than one computer to the internet, especially if they were not in the same room. 

You can see there are some inconveniences and cosmetic concerns, not to mention safety, in wired networks. 

You may want to opt for a wireless network if you have more than one computer to connect to the internet or if you have a laptop computer that you don’t want to have to physically plug into your modem.  Wireless networks use radio waves instead of wires to connect computers.  Your computers and laptops will no longer be tied to a single room or rooms and you eliminate unsightly wires as well as the dangers of tripping over them.  Wireless networks are usually slower than wired so if speed is essential, perhaps a wireless network isn’t what you need.  They are also less secure than wired networks and give access to your network to any laptop in the vicinity unless you take appropriate security cautions.

Wireless networks, like wired networks, need a router to transmit the signal from your provider.  At times, walls can interfere with the signal so you may have to get a range extender to get enough coverage.  This is particularly common in multi-story dwellings.  Each computer on the wireless network will need a wireless adapter, although many of the new computer models have wireless capabilities built into them.  If you have an older computer, you can always use a wireless Ethernet to give your computer wireless capabilities. 

The biggest drawback to wireless networking is security.  As mentioned before, your neighbors or passersby can hijack your signal so the best thing you can do to protect your network is to secure access to it.  TKIP, or Temporal Key Integrity Protocol, is a simple solution.  TKIP is akin to a bandage on an injured finger; it lets the finger function as usual but keeps germs and bacteria from contaminating the cut.

Whether you choose a wired network or a wireless, security should be one of your prime concerns.  A good firewall and virus software should always be installed before you access any internet site other than that of your ISP.