A way to hook up basic cable by yourself?

For cable internet, you typically must connect the modem to the cable line, and then any devices that will be connected up. Software is NOT necessary for today's cable modems to be utilizeable on modern OSs and computers.

However if you mean cable TV, or cable internet *service*, you may not be able to do this without either working with the cable box (which is illegal without explicit permission). Some are also 'turned off' at the hub, so cannot be activated without being switched on by the cable provider. Most digital cable TV and Internet work this way.

So if you're asking to steal cable, you almost can't. If you're trying to save money on an installation, it may be possible, but cable companies will often also make this a non-option.