question about tivo

I switched from direct tv to comcast cable and got a hd tivo with duel tuners. I had to have someone from comcast come out and set it up. my mom wants one but she doesnt have a reciever for her cable. she just plugs it in directly to the tv. If i purchase a basic tivo with only 1 tuner can i just plug it in and start manually recording programs or does someone from the cable company have to come out and set it up as if it were a new reciever? my mom also has wireless internet so would a wireless connection be available so she can get the guide to work properly?