Need ultra cheap network solution

[Rob9874]

My brother took a haitus from college, and moved in with my parents in Nebraska. Since there's nothing to do there, he spends alot of time on the net. My parents have a cable connection, but my bro's dialing up. We're sharing a Madden 2002 franchise online, which works well for uploading our respective scores, but is impossible to play each other. Charter Communications does not support networked computers, only one modem per PC. They told me you can network it yourself. However, I am network illiterate.

I read that an Ethernet network is the cheapest solution. It's only 2 PCs, and they're both in the same room. Can they buy 2 cheap Ethernet cards, and connect a cable between them? Can someone point me in the right direction, or link an AnandTech message about the best way to do this? And how would they set up a 2nd IP?

I apologize for the simple post, as I'm sure this has been covered a million times. I just thought it'd be easier if someone pointed me towards a link with details. Thanks, Rob

 

[JackMDS]

First, install a Network Interface card (NIC) in each computer.
While starting the computers use the disk that come with the NICs, and install the drivers.

This is NIC:
PCI NETWORK CARD 10/100BTX

When Installations is complete go to Control Panel/System and make sure that the devices are installed correctly and there is no IRQ conflict.

If you are sure that you are staying with two computer, buy a Crossover CAT5 cable to connect the two computers, NIC to NIC directly. (You need a Hub/Switch if you Network more then 2 computers.)

At this point you have to set the Network setting for each computer, and then enable the sharing.

It is impossible to describe the whole setting process on a BBS post; the following links will give you the info necessary to do so.

Since you did not indicate which OS you are you using, you have the honor to get them all.

Setting Up, Windows 98 / 98-SE.

Networking and sharing between computers.

Windows 2000 Network Card Installation

Windows 2000 / XP TCP/IP protocol.

Windows 2000 Network Sharing.

Windows XP Home Edition.

Windows XP Professional .

Windows XP Home Ed. Sharing Disks /Folders

Windows XP Professional Ed. Sharing Disks /Folders

Want to know a little more:

Basic Options for Internet Connection Sharing

<a target=new class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.
anandtech.com/guides/viewfaq.html?i=48">Hubs, routers, switches, DSL, LANs, WANs...?</a>

 

[ivwshane]

I'm sure the above links are sufficient but just incase here is a place that's pretty easy to folow, practically networked.

 

[Rob9874]

Wow, thanks for the info! Greatly appreciated. This post should be saved as a FAQ for anyone wanting to do what I am. Thanks again, Rob