Affiliate Marketing Secrets

I’m 28 years old. I graduated in 2001. Since then, I’ve been through a lot of jobs. None of them really interesting me in pursuing. I’ve been through 2 colleges. U of Phoenix and Devry U. The 1st one didn’t work out because it was in Arizona and online. The 2nd one didn’t work out because of funding. I had a 3.5GPA and because of money, I had to drop out. I made too much the previous year.
So now I’m working full-time at a retail store, and I don’t want to be doing that, it’s just to get some money for bills. I wanted to be in computer science, but you need a degree for everything. And it looks like I have to front my own money from pocket, no co-signer. I know I want to do something with computers. But if it’s because of money, I’m not sure what else to do.
There’s kind of my background a little, any thoughts, thanks in advance. I’m just struggling to find my niche, and need some outside opinions.

How does establishing an internet connection usually work, not just in the U.S. but around the world?
I’m currently studying in China, in the previous year, I was able to simply connect a cable from the internet port in the wall to my laptop. After that I would have to enter an account name and password, PPPOE.
Which makes me wonder about what a router actually does. The place I’m currently living in has just been built, the major internet line hasn’t been set up yet. I’m curious as to how I would go about setting up the connection.
Previously it seemed I had to buy these cards w/ the account name and pass from specialty stores, the cards were affiliated with the school. As the “dorm” i’m currently living in has no affiliation with the school it seems I have to go register something…not too sure on the details.
So, what does a router? Would I need one? Where does that “internet port” in the wall actually lead o.0?