DSL and Cable on the same computer???

[Pghpooh]

HI
Can I use both cable and dsl on the same computer?

Here's my problem. My son inlaw gave me a pc to work on that was given to him. The pc has Windows XP Professional on it. The pc also uses Comcast cable for the internet access.
The problem with the pc given to me is it has some viruses and it has the "Gator" software pop up software loaded on it. And a lot of other unwanted software. It looks like the XP Pro was never updaded and the Norton Antivirus and other software needs updated.
I don't want to wipe the hard drive clean and reload everything as the original owner has specialized software loaded on the pc AND the original owner can't find the copies of WIN XP and other software.

On my home pc, I am using dsl for my internet access and Win XP Home o/s.
Can I load the dsl software on the messed up pc without removing the cable software?
By doing that, I can quickly update the WIN XP, Norton Software and other software on the bad machine. Then, proceed to try to get rid of Gator and other unwanted software.

I've done enough reading to confuse myself here!!! LOLOL I see internet connection sharing is available, routers, hubs, etc.

What would work best for me??? And, once I get the messed up pc working,,, I'll remove any software that used the dsl.

Thanks
Pghpooh

 

[skyking]

there may be nothing to "install" depending on your connedtion type. Do you use PPOE for your DSL? Do you plug an RJ45 cable into your computer, or a USB cable?

 

[JackMDS]

To get rid of the Junk (Gator etc.) use this:

Link: Ad-aware 6.181

Assuming you have an External Ethernet Modem and an NIC configure with TCP.IP on the computer...

I do not think that you have to be concern about the cable, usually there is nothing special install due too Internet Cable connection.

As for your PPPOE read carefully the following.

PPPOE software is a "Dial in Type"; it initiates and keeps the connection alive while you are surfing.

The implementation of the PPOOE software used by most ISPs is unfortunately quirky, and with ICS it is VERY Quirky.

I would suggest to any one with PPPOE DSL to buy a Cable/DSL Router even if they don't have a Network. You can find Cable/DSL Routers on sale and rebates for $10-$20.

For the price you get Hardware Firewall, and Hardware PPPOE "keep alive", DHCP server, 4 ports Switch, and more

Unfortunately most DSL ISPs do not give you an ID and password over the phone; they want you to get it online.

In such a case use single computer connected to the DSL Modem. Install their PPPOE software and establish an account. In the process you will be given ID and Password (write them down)

Once you have an account connect your Cable/DSL Router to the DSL Modem, and plug your computers to the Router.

Log onto the Router's configuration Menus. In the PPPOE menu type Username and Password, make sure that the PPPOE option is checked. Set the Router to obtain IP automatically.

As long as you don't switch off the DSL Modem, and the Router you are connected "forever" (the computer can be switched off). If you switch the Modem, and the Router off, when you switch them on again, it will take about 30-50 seconds to the Modem to obtain connection, and the Router will automatically connect to the DSL ISP.

You can uninstall WINPOET, and or whatever software they dished you.
Or if you want you can leave them installed; (The software PPPOE appears as another Dialup connection, in the Browser). Just make sure that the Internet Browser is set to use LAN, otherwise it will keep using the PPPOE.

The Router's PPPOE capacity is independent from the Computer, and it keeps the connection alive.

In case of PPPOE DSL Working through the Router should yield faster (5%-10%), and smoother Internet connection.

=============================================

When every thing is done do not forget to optimize you TCP/IP for DSL connection.

Download DrTCP: <a target=new class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.dslre
ports.com/front/DRTCP021.exe">http://www.dslreports.com/front/DRTCP021.exe</a>

Run the program, it will show the current settings of TCP/IP parameters. Write them down.

You can change any variable that you want, click Apply, and reboot the computer, if no good; you can always change to your original values.

Start with:

MaxMTU - for DSL =1492

Tcp Receive - 255552

Window Scaling - Yes

Time Stamping - No

Selective Acks - Yes

Path MTU Discovery - Yes.

Black Hole - NO

Max Duplicate - 2

TTL - 64

General Info:

Link: AnandTech - FAQ. Basic Options for Internet Connection Sharing

Link: AnandTech - FAQ. Hubs, routers, switches, DSL, LANs, WANs...?

Ignore the prices in the links above. The same or similar hardware can be found for 60%-90% less.

Link: Diagram of Broadband Connection with Cable/DSL Router.

 

[Pghpooh]

HI
A quick reply and I am off to bed.
My pc uses a external modem made by Westell. A cable with rj45 plugs on each end connects the modem to my pc.
When I added win xp home o/s to my pc sometime ago, all I did was add my NIC, and use the floppy to install the driver for the NIC. Once I plugged the modem into the nic, Win Xp Home did the rest. I never had to install the ppoe and other software like I did when I used win98se.

I'm off to bed and once I have fresh clear eyes in the morning, I'll reread the replies that have been posted.
Thanks
Pghpooh

 

[Pghpooh]

Hi
A short update.
I bought a router, installed it, and everything worked as it should.
After hours and hours of work, I finally got the "Broke PC" working and down to two or three popups an hour instead of the fifty or more!!!!
The "Broke PC" was so bad that when I installed Norton System Works Pro, Norton found over 100 problems in the registry and a total of over 500 problems!!!! And, I had to use ADWARE and SPYBOT to clean out over 250 different spyware files and so on.
Now,,, SHOULD I CHARGE MY SON IN LAW BY THE HOUR OR THE PROBLEM???? LOLOLOLOL
Thanks
Pghpooh

 

[Doh!]

Also make sure you turn off the messenger service. It causes lots of unwanted popup messages. If you don't know how to turn it off, just use the utility avilable here:

http://grc.com/stm/ShootTheMessenger.htm

 

[gunrunnerjohn]

Actually, if you have any sort of firewall, Windows Messenger pop-ups are not an issue. If you're getting SPAM through Windows Messenger, shooting the messenger is NOT the smart solution, installing a real firewall is the real solution.

 

[StraightPipe]

i shot the messenger in the startup tab of msconfig. didnt ever get any messages (because I'm behind a router), but it was awful annoying sitting there in the taskbar.

adaware is good, i've run the free app on tons of friend's PC's. no i dont charge, it's a free app and everyone would be better off if they ran it regularly, windows updates work well too.

Edit: Gator sucks, it often comes pre-packed with other freeware, so unistalling will usually only temporarily remove it. as soon as you run the freeware again it reloads itself... you often have to remove/unistall the freeware to completely rid yourself of the miserable beast. ussually i stay away form any software containing this. (DIVX plus comes with Gator prepacked but they have a lite version without it )