complete newbie question

[RobM]

Hi

I have 2 PC's, one of which is connected to the Internet (USB cable modem). The other computer is upstairs. Basically is it possible to share the same connection with the PC upstairs?

thanks, Rob

[Budfred]

Yes it is possible. You have to network the 2 computers. The cheapest way to go is with a wired network, but then you will need to get the wire downstairs to the other comptuer. You can also set up a wireless network, but it costs more and security is more of an issue. Either way it is possible to do it...

[funhousegroup]

What version of windows are you running on the PCs? Do you know if they have NICs(network iterface cards) installed?

[RobM]

Both are Xp, and both have NIC's installed :)

[Sylvander]

Check out a couple of interesting items of hardware.

1. At www.netgear.co.uk search for “ME101”. The Netgear ME101 Wireless Ethernet Bridge costs £53.
One of the few wireless network bridges. About the size of a mouse, network port and power socket on the back and a large antenna. Got 4 stars out of 5 from Computer Active magazine. Easy to set up and worked perfectly.

2. At http://www.oneforall-int.com/index.html search "New Products" for the “Wireless Phone Extender” = £80.
This allows you to use your mains wiring for telephone connection. Plug the two small devices into mains sockets, connect one to the telephone socket and the other to your telephone or modem. Communication speeds are limited to 33.6kbit/s so you’ll notice a slow down if you connect a 56K modem. The two units have a built-in code to prevent interference or interception by other extenders. Again got 4 stars out of 5.

[funhousegroup]

If that is the case they will be easy to set up in comparison to other Windows versions. All you do is get a cat5 cross over cable and conect it to both of the NICs. Then turn on both computers. Then run XPs home network setup wizard on the one that connects to the internet. After this is done rune the setup wizard on the other pc. If you have any questions then post back.
I have been doing alot of XP small Networks latley and they are pretty easy to set up.
FH

[Budfred]

The problem with using the crossover cable is that both computers have to be on to be able to use the single internet connection. If that is ok for you, it may be the best solution. If it is not, a router would probably be necessary....

[wbg_id]

QUOTE]both computers have to be on to be able to use the single internet connection.[/QUOTE]

I never shutdown my computers. Is that a bad thing?

[Budfred]

Yes and no... Depends on who you ask. Some people shut down daily, some leave them on constantly and there are arguments both ways. The main thing here is that you could use a crossover cable and share the connection.

[RobM]

thanks guys. I'll let you know when its all been sorted out :)

[ziba-june]

Leaving your computer on all the time with a cable connection is an invitation to hackers. Sometimes even a firewall might not save you.