need help with sagging learning curve

Just started doing research on wireless internet for my home. Can someone tell me which is a better option: wireless cards (I am a Sprint cell customer), phone as modem (with a side question- does this use airtime minutes on my cell plan), or wireless internet with router and roof antenna?

Then, my next question would be, do I have to have an account with a company say Earthlink or AOL, for example, if I use any of the means listed above to connect to the internet? And if so, is that typically part of the package when you sign up for one of the above services or is it separate?

Thanks in advance for your help/advice.