Home Network - Advice Please

[quarg1]

Hi,

Can anybody please help:

I have 2 pc's and I require the 2nd to be able to access the Internet and the Printer which the first is linked to.

Do I need to set up a network between the PC's and if so what kit would I require?

I currently have dial up internet access and only 1 PC would need to use the internet at one time. However I am considering moving to Broadband.

Thank you in anticipation.

Fletcher.

 

[n0cmonkey]

There are FAQs on this.

 

[BIGMACC]

Cheapest, easiest way (pre-broadband) is to connect the two systems via crossover cable, or better yet, a 4 port switch. use filesharing, and a software Internet router on the system with the dial-up.

Broadband is the preference though!!! Using a Cable/DSL router (Linksys is my choice) you can route, serve, and protect via hardware firewall up to 235 systems! A little over kill, but it will do the job, and do it well. New the Linksys router is about $80, and has a browser interface for admin and configuration. Not to mention that Linksys did a great job at explaining in layman's terms about networking in the router users guide.

Good Luck!!!

 

[quarg1]

Thank You for your help.

Fletcher

 

[Lithium381]

I had that problem a while back...i invested in a network starter pack that was on sale for $20.....a hub and two network cards.....set up a network between our computers, then on one system that dialed up to the internet, i ran a software proxy program(AnalogX) so now my other computer can surf the web, chat on AIM etc........works great, good luck with your delema

 

[Yvo]

I would recommend a router.

Not just any router but a D-Link 704P (http://www.dlink.com/products/broadband/di704p/)

1. It connects a printer directly to the router (Parallel only)... so the host computer does not have to be on when the other computers wants to print something
2. It has the ability to use an external 56k modem (has to use a Serial cable to connect... you can get these modems pretty cheap... Diamond SupraExpress 56e is one example I used to use)
3. When your ready for broadband... simply switch over to broadband.

Now I know dialup internet is supported on this router, normally it would be used for backup when your cable/DSL goes out... but I am certain you can use this as full time Dialup until further notice.

An router/gateway is much more reliable then using one computer as a software router... this requires that computer to be on when the other computer wishes to access the internet. Plus getting a router just prepares you for your step towards broadband... its a much more sound investment.

The DLink router is also very easy to setup and it was $72 - $20 rebate a few weeks back... I am not sure if this rebate still applies.

This is an ethernet based option... so you would network the house. Now you could go wireless or go over your phone lines in the house... but I do not recommend both those options.

Wireless is still insecure, sure there are ways to secure yourself but is it worth that cost
Phone line networking is something I am personally not familiar with but the stories I heard were horrifying.

Good luck!

Yvo

 

[quarg1]

Thank you for your considerable help.

Yvo, I am taking your advice and plumping for a router etc, for as you say a future proof purchase.

Thanks again.

Fletcher

 

[amdskip]

Take the time and wire your house up for it through the walls, well worth your time