Topic awaiting preservation: Connecting Multiple Computers to the internet... (Page 1 of 1)

All right, so the family has finally gotten to the point where we needed to replace our ancient computer with a nice new one. Definitely a happy day in my household. Unfortunately, I have absolutely no idea how to go about getting each computer connected to the internet. Apparently through our ISP we can have them do this for us for 40 bucks initially and 10 bucks a month after that, but I'm not convinced this is the best way of going about it.

Could anybody tell a complete newb what I should be looking into and what prices I should be expecting to pay. I took a glance at the FAQ and didn't seem to get what I wanted. Thanks for the help guys, being the first time I've had to deal with multiple computers....I'm feeling rather clueless.


(Oh yes, the old computer is Windows 98 and the new XP, if that matters)

-Chesta

The poster has demanded we remove all his contributions, less he takes legal action.
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Don't follow his example - seek real life help first.

a router is what I'd recommend - you don't need to have the second machine on all the time.

You should be able to get a router for around 40 bucks, and it won't have reoccuring costs (except for the little power it draws).

The only exception would be if you're still using a modem to dial up to the net - in that case, get a hub, and use Windows Internet Connection sharing.

Just a note: Windows 98, first edition does not support Internet Connection Sharing. That didn't come about until Windows 98 Second Edition.

A router is certainly what I would suggest as well.

The poster has demanded we remove all his contributions, less he takes legal action.
We have done so.
Now Tyberius Prime expects him to start complaining that we removed his 'free speech' since this message will replace all of his posts, past and future.
Don't follow his example - seek real life help first.

Personally I use the independant router solution as well.
The other thing I use if for is that it's a wireless-G router by Linksys so I can connect 4 computers via cable plus up to 256 wireless which works great if you don't have all the computers in one room.



.:[ Never resist a perfect moment ]:.

I used to have the ICS thing working and it turned out to be a bit painful. You never know when someone will turn the main computer off, and then you have to turn it on again to use the secondary. As both computers are windows I would recommend using a router.

I use a linksys router and by default it doesn't let any incomming connections. You can then connect to http://192.168.1.1 and login and change all the settings it is very nice so that one doesn't have to worry about installing a firewall on windows, because unless you specifically allow access to the box there is no access going to it.

I'm with Bitdamaged on the wireless Super-g bit. I'm running a D-Link router with 2 computers connected by cat 5 cables and 2 connecting with super-g wireless nic cards. If you watch for a sale you can usually get a super-g nic card for about $40 each (around here at least).

If you do, as WarMage said, just make sure to learn a bit about your router and it's admin. With it you can at the least check to make sure the firewall settings are to your liking. If you do go with a wireless router I would also suggest using the admin to set some type of encryption so that the neighbors can't use your connection.

-Butcher-

(Edited by butcher on 04-29-2004 17:52)

The router is my solution too. It's easier to set-up then an sharing computer with software router/firewall.
Yes when you install a software router or firewall ion your box you will have a lot control, but also a lot of oportunities to make an mistake....which could be bad for security. Be aware if you having an xDSL line of some sort you would need an xDSL modem too. Overhere the isp's sell a lot USB-ADSL modems whithout network connection. These USB-ADSL modems are supposed to be used with one computer only, however if the computer with the USB modem has Internet-Conection-Sharing on it can be used to share the modem. But i don't like this solution.
This is my setup:

- Router with build in ADSL modem (?30/35$) connected to switch and phone line.
- An tiny 4port Switch (the cheapest one i could find, about ?10 / 12$)
- Comp1 with win2k/knoppix linux
- Comp2 with winXP with shared printer
- Comp3 with linux
- All Computers are connected with Fast-Ethernet cables to the switch. (Fast Ethernet is the cheapest and most secure way to connect computers at home. BUT you need to lay cables an maybe make some holes in the walls. Wireless is easier but more expansive.)
- The switch is also connected with the router by Fast-Ethernet (100 Mb/s)
- The router has an very simple firewall built in.
- Both the windows computers have an personal firewall installed (Zone-alarm for the XP machine and Kerio for the win2k) I am experimenting with an new firewall with an handbuild ruleset on the linux box.


Some good info:
http://www.homenethelp.com
Use the Internet Connection Firewall
Home and Small Office Networking with Windows XP
How Home Networking Works
Sharing Your Internet Connection --lots off ads but useful info

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InI said:

Finally, to me, the best solution BY FAR consists in buying another network adapterand using two network adapters inside one of your computers.

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That means the ICS host has to be turned on for the other peers to access the internet doesn't it?

The router with 1Gig NICs and the new Cat 6 is the best way to go - hardware firewall is very hard to beat, just add a software firewall that monitors outgoing traffic. The wired/wireless concept is also excellent.

double posted - guess my router/broadband combo is way too fast

(Edited by Shooting_Star on 04-30-2004 15:01)

Thanks everyone for the help.

I'll be sorting through all this gibberish and making a decision :-)

I think I'm leaning toward the router at the moment, but if it's one thing I see, is that I should learn some more before I make a decision. Thanks for steering me in the right direction.

-Chesta