Verizon FiOS → Bypass Actiontec M1424 Router

Do I have to use a router with the FIOS service?
There are times where I would like to direct connect a PC to the internet without using my network.
I have tried connecting the CAT5 cable that Verizon set up directly to one of my PC's but it would not pick up an IP from Verizon. Do I need a crossover connection? or do I need to setup a special network connection within XP? or am I stuck with using the provided router from Verizon.
I have only had the service less than a week and I am very pleased with it's speed, but I would like to know more about alternative configurations.

Thanks in advance.

You don't need to use the Verizon-supplied router, but you do need to properly release the DHCP IP address before disconnecting the router. Otherwise, your PC will not be able to get a new IP address until the upstream Verizon router releases the old IP....

HTH!

Not all areas are DHCP yet, so he might need to set up the PPPoE client in XP to get an IP.

If he using the actiontech he is on dhcp

Also, The Actiontec is set up "Bridged". Can I chose not to use the Bridged feature to "Home Networking" and just have the first Broadband connection issue IP's or is that not a good idea for security reasons. My old connection was cable, I used an old Linksys 4 port DSL/Cable router which worked well, but it did not have the "Home Networking" feature like the Actiontec route does.

Wrong, I am using an ActionTec and i am still on PPPoE

I too am on the Actiontec and still on PPPoE; though I did get FIOS installed in 2004 and got the Actiontec as an "upgrade" from Verizon.

The router is set up for DHCP. I released the IP at the router, Dissconnected the Network cable and plugged it into a PC, Bootted up, Would not pick up an IP from verizon.