2nd computer almost done... options for sharing internet

[rommelrommel]

My situation is this:

The computer I'm using currently isn't exclusively mine, and it's pretty lame. *But* it does belong to the people who I rent a room from (in school). I'm building my PC primarily for gaming, and a few other things. So, I want to be able to share the internet connection, not slowing myself at all, because my pings are pretty decent, but if I go much lower I'll get slaughtered. But, I can't completely sacrifice the other computers connect because it won't be mine at all once I get mine done, probably within the week.

What is *the absolute cheapest* method to do this? We are on cable, and both computers have network cards on board, and I have extra cards around if those are needed.

Up until yeterday, they were both going to be in the same room, so I wuz just gonna switch the cable modem back and forth, but that isn't happening anymore. But, in the end they will probably be within 6 to 25 feet of each other. Physical wiring will be possible.

Please, emphasis on *low price*... it's christmas and I'm almost broke.

Thanks

 

[joey2k]

If your ultra strapped for cash....

If one of the computers has Windows XP, add a 2nd NIC to it. Connect one NIC to the modem and the other to the 2nd computer with a crossover cable. Read the help and share the internet with the other computer. Don't forget to firewall the internet connection. As for cheap:

Another NIC - FREE (you already own one)
Crossover cable to other computer, 25 ft - probably around $25 unless you can make your own

Your other option is to buy a cheapo HUB and buy two regular cables to plug into it. This would allow you to add other computers down
the line. A crossover cable is pretty much worthless except to directly connect 2 PCs



However....

Depending on your cash flow, I think the best idea is to buy a cheap broadband router. That way your computer won't have to be on all the time.

-- Joel

 

[BurnItDwn]

cheapest possible way is install 2 network cards in one of the boxes .. hook it up to the cable, and use a crossover cable to connect it to the second PC. Then turn ICS on the box with 2 nics.

Easiest solution ... buy a cheap Router with a built in switch ... plug that into the cable modem, and the computers into it.

More difficult, but more rewarding solution ... if you have an old pentium box that is not in use (or even a 486)... and an old hub ... install linux or BSD (open or free) on it ... 2 nics ... and use it for NAT/IPMasq ... (cable connects to this box on one nic .. second nic goes to hub .. other pcs connect to hub. You can configure the firewall however you want to)

 

[osage]

a link to check..Options for Internet sharing

 

[rommelrommel]

Thanks guys... my limit is about 50 bucks CAD for now... Could I get by with just a cheap hub? Or will that kill my connection? I may just leave them in the same room till after vacation just so I can do it right in the new year, whada think?

 

[FiberOptik]

Here's the best scenario I see. Buy a little 5 port switch online, they'll run you ~$40 with shipping. If you're not running XP on both of the computers install a free firewalling software such as zonealarm. Plug both computers into the switch, this will allow quick filesharing as well as net access for both computers at the same time. Then make sure the cable modem is plugged into the switch and hope your ISP will allow more than one IP lease from the same modem.