Puter to Puter setup

[wbg_id]

After 6 years, I finally broke down and bought a new computer. Now, I would like to set up the two computers to share one cable internet connection. Is there a site on the web that explains the how to process for this simple (for some) setup?

I am going from a PII 233mhz with win98, to a P4 2.53mhz with win xp. By the way, The 233mhz (with a 4ghz harddrive) cost about $1600 dollars more than the 2.53mhz!!(with a 120ghz hd) :eek:

[mjc]

There are several different ways to go about this, but knowing the exact details of both systems is going to be very helpful.

Do you have network cards in one or both machines?

[wbg_id]

MJC,

I dont have a card in the old computer yet. I am going to have to go out and get one very soon. Maybe I will repost this thread once Im completely ready.

Thanks for the potential help!:)

[classicsoftware]

Make sure you get a NON-USB cable modem.

Go and buy

1) One Generic 10/100 ethernet card (Max $20.00)

2) One Linksys 4 port switch/router (Max $60.00)

3) Two Cat-5e patch cables (depending on length less than $20.00 @)

You are ready to roll.....

[yawningdog]

Although classicsoftware has suggested an approach that will work, It is, in my opinion, overkill. You need a 10/100 NIC and a crossover cable, and that's all.

[classicsoftware]

While Yawningdog is correct there are several drawbacks to his setup:

1) You have to use ICS to connect to the internet. It is easer to configure a router. The ICS software has to take up some overhead.

2) The machine that acts as a gateway has to be on when the second machine wants to access the internet.

3) There is no possibility of growth. Witch the crossover cable you are limited to only 2 computers. What happens when you break down and get a third? Then you have to add a hub/switch anyway. Before you say you'll never add a third, you probably never thoiught you would want to do this so it's better to be prepared from some future expansion.

4) The router is an excellent firewall and you don't have to run a software firewall although some people do do both.

So while my original suggestion is more involved than just a crossover cable, it is by no means over-kill and In MY OPINION, still the best and easiest, though not the cheapest, way to home network.

[funhousegroup]

If you do go with the cross over approach I would highly recomend using you XP puter as the one to connect to the internet and then share the connection out to 98. If you go from 98 to XP you may have big trouble withICS(internet connection sharing). If you go from XP to 98 you jujst need to run the Network wizard on XP and then run the wizard on 98 from the XP disk.
Just my 2 cents, FH

[wbg_id]

I just got the new computer in today. The network card is whatever type Dell installs. I am planning to buy the cheapest 10/100 card I could find for the old computer. (Bestbuy has one $4.99 after mailin rebate) I currently have a linksys cable modem and plan to use the XP machine as the one to connect to the net. I will have to opt for the crossover cable suggestion because of budget constraints. Now, here is a really dumb question, is a basic CAT5 cable a "Crossover cable"?

I do appreciate very much the help that everyone has given!!! I learned all of this stuff after getting my first computer, but I havent used the knowledge in so long, it is loooong gone from my brain. :o

THANK YOU!

[Budfred]

A basic Cat5 cable is not a crossover cable, you have to buy one that says it is crossover if that is what you want. It will still be Cat5 or better.

If I remember correctly, CompUSA has a IIC for free after rebates this week, although I imagine they are sold out by now.