Xbox live hardware

OK thinking about following the crowd and going onto xbox live, now that I have a 2mb connection. My xbox is nowhere near a computer or the internet connection, so I'll need a wireless gaming adapter, but not sure which one I should be looking at. Have seen a linksys adapter on their site but not sure if it's the right one.
Also, stupid question I know, but with xbox live, do you have to buy the starter kit and then repay for the subscription each year?