How do I connect my ipad to my computer?

Ok. Well I'm kinda new to the whole wi fi world first of all. I currently have a Toshiba Satellite computer and a 4port cable/dsl broadband router. I recently installed it after I purchased my ipad. Now comes the stupid me part. How do I get my ipad to connect to the internet? I have had wireless computers via a router before but this wi fi thing is boggling me. Do I have to have a wi fi adapter in my router or a specific wi fi router? Any suggestions will help. I don't even know how to find my router on my computer. Please help. I'm completely lost and now have a 7 hundred dollar ipad and don't know how to use it or connect it to the internet. Please Help.