To answer your first question:
When I am brought to the screen that has the list of bootup options,
"Safe Mode" is selected by default, so that if I don't choose another
option, it goes to Safe Mode automatically. Thus, according to you, I
"have 2 issues". What are these 2 issues?

Can you please clarify the statement "[The NIC] would normally obtain
this address from the DHCP server within your DSL modem ." I don't
know what a DHCP server is. If this is "normally" what is supposed to
happen, does that mean my DSL modem is somehow defective or does it
simply mean it just doesn't work that way with the particular modem I
have?

Also, what do you mean by "You can avert this behaviour until you get
your modem"? I do have my modem. It was connected to the NIC at the
time that I booted up. It is a Westell, model 6100.
Thanks for your detailed response.
Patrick