Modal verb 'need to' vs regular verb 'to need'

[cati]

What is the difference between "need to" the modal verb and "to need" the regular verb?

Cati

[Jamie (K)]

"Need to" is something like "must". It's not quite the same, but it has a very similar meaning.

You need to pay a fee if you want to get your visa.
= You must pay a fee if you want to get your visa.

They need to argue with him or he won't do what they want.
= They must argue with him, or he won't do what they want.

"Need" means something like "must have".

You need a computer, if you want to access the Internet.
= You must have a computer to access the Internet.

You need eggs to bake this cake.
= You must have eggs to bake this cake.