New to Networking

[shadow82]

Hi all... I am completely new to networking. After years of dialup I can get cable..although its only one way I assume it will be better than my extremely slow dialup. (600kbs DL something like 33.6 upload) If anyone can offer any tips/tricks that would be great. I plan on networking 4 computers (2 upstairs; 2 downstairs)...what do I need to buy for this? Is wireless suggested? Do i still need my additional phone lines? Do i need one line for each computer? Online games will be played on at least 2 of the computers..Is this going to be managable if they are networked? These and anything else you can answer will be great. Thanks a ton
-Alex

 

[jimmyhaha]

1. buy a wireless router
2. buy wired/wireless NIC and cable (used wired NIC if u can, cheap , reliable and fast)
3. config each pc
4. Done

should be done in 1-2 hours if u know what u are doing...

 

[shadow82]

Are todays wireless networks as reliable and as fast as todays wired networks? Wireless sounds great..but would i be getting the same performance in games and other intensive bandwidth hogging software? thanks!

 

[SpunkyJones]

Wireless is good, I use it for my laptops, but I still prefer pc's with a wire connection for gaming, just seems more stable/reliable. Just my .02

 

[JackMDS]

It will take an Hour to read the conetent of the following links, but it will save Houres in the future.

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

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

Link to: AnandTech - FAQ. What do I need for wireless Networking?

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

Link to: Windows Network - Installing & Sharing.

Link to: Wireless What Should I Get?

Link to: Basic Protection for Broadband Internet Installation.

Link to: Wireless - Basic Configuration.

Link to: Wireless Security for the Home User.

:sun:

 

[shadow82]

Thanks..ill take a look at that stuff later tonight