I don't know what to buy to get my computer on the internet

[JoeFahey]

Hi,
I have just finished building my computer, and I installed Windows XP Pro. I would next like to get it working on the internet. I am planning on using a router to get it onto the internet using the internet from this computer. the router I have herer already is a D-Link. I was wondering, what type of router I would need to buy for the computer in my rooom.

Secondly, what should I buy to protect my computer? Firewall? Could you name specific applications to get for protection? THANKS!!

 

[barnett25]

I'm a little confused about your proposed internet connection setup. But as to what to buy to protect your computer. The only thing you should have to buy is Anti-Virus software. Other than that everything else can be found for free. You'll want Spybot S&D and Ad-Aware for removing spyware, which is probably the biggest concern besides viruses. As far as a firewall, if you run your internet through a router it should have a firewall built in, most people will tell you that this is enough and I'd tend to agree. Also install and use Firefox if you can, it really helps keep junk off your computer.

 

[JulesMaximus]

What ISP are you using?

Edit-Why buy anything? Aren't you already on the internet?

 

[Markfw]

If you already have a router, than all you need is another network cable, and an ethernet card for the new computer(It may already have an ethernet port on it) What are the specs of the new computer your built ?

 

[Waylay00]

Yeah what are the specs? We like hearing about peoples' builds.

 

[JoeFahey]

Well, for the person who asked, I am not on the internet on my new computer. I am on my other computer right now. I also have another question, since this connection is to a parallel room to this one, and its just through one wall, can I just run a cord from one room to the other or something? If so, what type of internet cord would I be looking for?

The specs on my new build are:

AMD 64 3500+
msi k8n neo2 platium
512 crucial ram
ATI 9800 128mb Video card
seagate sata 160gigabyte
windows XP PRo
and a 420watt power supply made by thermaltake (came with the case)

 

[mercanucaribe]

Hilarious. The anchor on CNN just said that more and more formerly internet illiterate people are learning how to use the internet.

 

[Edward Lee]

First thing you need to get is a modem.

 

[UlricT]

are you on broadband or dialup?

 

[Markfw]

Originally posted by: Edward Lee
First thing you need to get is a modem.

He said he was going to use the internet from the router on the computer he was typing on. So I presume all he needs is a cable to go to his other PC, which has on-board lan.

 

[barnett25]

I'm going to assume that you have cable internet with a cable modem, which is hooked to a router, which is in turn hooked to your old computer. If this assumption is correct, then all you need is a Cat5 or Cat5e (these are also known as "ethernet" cables) cable to run from the router to the new computer. If you only have a cable modem, and that is currently connected directly to your old computer, then you need to purchase a router. In any case, the correct connection setup would be as follows:
The cable tv wire from the wall plugs into a cable modem.
One end of a Cat5 or Cat5e cable also plugs into the cable modem.
The other end of that Cat5 cable plugs into the port labeled "internet" on the router.
Connect another Cat5 cable to port #1 on the back of the router, the other end of this cable connects to the ethernet port on your old computer.
Connect a final Cat5 cable to port #2 on the router, and the other end to the ethernet port on the new computer.
After you get everything hooked up, first plug in the cable modem's power suply, wait for all the lights to come on. Now plug in the power for the router and wait for all of it's lights to come on. Now reboot both computers and they should be able to connect to the internet.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: barnett25
I'm going to assume that you have cable internet with a cable modem, which is hooked to a router, which is in turn hooked to your old computer. If this assumption is correct, then all you need is a Cat5 or Cat5e (these are also known as "ethernet" cables) cable to run from the router to the new computer. If you only have a cable modem, and that is currently connected directly to your old computer, then you need to purchase a router. In any case, the correct connection setup would be as follows:
The cable tv wire from the wall plugs into a cable modem.
One end of a Cat5 or Cat5e cable also plugs into the cable modem.
The other end of that Cat5 cable plugs into the port labeled "internet" on the router.
Connect another Cat5 cable to port #1 on the back of the router, the other end of this cable connects to the ethernet port on your old computer.
Connect a final Cat5 cable to port #2 on the router, and the other end to the ethernet port on the new computer.
After you get everything hooked up, first plug in the cable modem's power suply, wait for all the lights to come on. Now plug in the power for the router and wait for all of it's lights to come on. Now reboot both computers and they should be able to connect to the internet.

What he said.