Setting up T1 internet connection

Can anyone tell me what's involved with setting up a T1 connection?  Is it easy to do?  What type of equipment is required?  I've heard you need a CSU/DSU, but know nothing about this.  Also, what type of router is best for this scenario.  Perhaps if you could mention a basic router that would work with this type of connection, and perhaps another router a step up from this.   I don't know if a simple Linksys or Buffalo router would be able to handle the throughput, or if you have to have a cisco router.  I've heard that a T1 is like having the bandwidth of 24 phone line connections.  Is this literal?  Is it actually 24 phone jack connections going into a CSU/DSU, which then patches somehow to your router?  Or are you connecting into the internet backbone (or close to it).  Any help is greatly appreciated.  Also, if you have any links that explain this, it would be helpful.