if i get a 360, i dont think i can use the ethernet cable because my 360 will be about 30-ish feet away from my computer, so i was thinking about the adapter. i was wondering if i had to have a router or something similar to connect it to my computer for xbox live, or can i just play xbox live without anything, just my pc? please put down any tips or recommendations

If you plan on purchasing the Xbox Wireless Network Adapter you're going to need to have a wireless router to connect your xbox 360 to xbox live.

you could buy a USB dongle for the pc and create whats known as
an "ad-hoc" network between 360 & pc. obviously you will also need the
M$ wifi adaptor.

as syntax has mentioned, a wireless router would be your best option
as this will eliminate the need for the pc to be switched on each time
you want to use LIVE.

for best wireless results with the 360, try and buy a router which also
has the 802.11a (5Ghz) protocol.....you will get much less interference
because most people will still be using 802.11g (2.4Ghz).