I have a question about internet connection.

would a more expensive modem give me a better connection or no? If anyone could suggest a good brand of modem and what price range , that would be great. Also, If I have the cables to hook up to my modem is that all I need to get a connection or is there something esle needed to?

Nah, you buy the speed from the provider, just use their modem because those things take a crap all the time.

nope you dont need that companies modem for it to work
and if you pay the bills you should now who your internet provider is but if you dont ask the person that does

also does anyone know where i can check my Download and upload speed

http://www.speedtest.net/