MAC OS nooby- what is bare minimum needed to xfer video to my mac/DVDs/ipod?

[hankthetank]

I mainly just want to be able to get my recordings to my computer
I have a tivo series2
I have an intel macbook with toast titanium 7
I have a video ipod
I am smart ;)
I don't have much time to invest (can't even watch my shows at home- hence this project)

I have never had a need to set up a network at my apartment and I don't yet know how to link my computer to it.
I have a cheap router (new in unopened box)
Should I connect using the router in between or can I just use a CAT5 patch cable?
My Tivo connects to the server on it's dialup modem. I do not have internet at my apartment (laptop seems to be able to connect somehow :)

I haven't downloaded TivoToGo yet.
Will TivoDecodeManager be a better substitute?

[RZ500]

You need, the router, and create a network, after that the Tivo Desktop, and Rixio Toast 8 and after that you have all you need, with the Toast 8 you transfer the files to your Mac and the export them to your Itunes for a leter Ipod use.