NEW TO NETWORKING

[IFICUDIWUD]

😱 I have some newbie questions.. I have just gotten a cable connection in my town.. I have 2 boxes and 1 cable modem.. both boxes have ecs boards w/onboardnic. both boxes work fine hooked up to the modem by themselves.. both have win 98 se 1 board is ak7sem and 1 is a k7s5a.. the modem is a toshiba.. what do I need to buy to set them up on a network so that they both work off the same cable connection,, Thanks in advance....

 

[Tallgeese]

SOHO router is what you are looking for...check other threads here for some links from JackMDS comparing the "Holy Trinity" of Linksys, SMC, and Netgear.

HTH

 

[IFICUDIWUD]

😱 thanks for the info.. any recomendations??? Will probably only ever have 2 boxes hooked up.. 1 for me and one for the old lady.. (we dont share computer time very well)

 

[Tallgeese]

Personally, I've preferred the SMC models, mainly for the built-in print server.
That having been said, there are some important differences between the three, specifically concerning higher-end features (VPN passthrough, DMZ modes, management options, etc.)

Important for you to peruse the specs carefully if you have a need for anything like that.

P.S. I can relate about "sharing" contention. My CEO-at-the-house has finally acknowledged how much she enjoys having her own machine (laptop) and connection (wireless, downstairs). Heck, my only "24x7" now is making sure she can print and use e-mail/Web whenever she wants to!

 

[ojai00]

Since JackMDS is not here, I'll give that link: Comparison of routers. And of course, as JackMDS always states, the link is courtesy of TallGeese. 😀 Hope this helps.

 

[Tallgeese]

<< Since JackMDS is not here, I'll give that link: Comparison of routers. And of course, as JackMDS always states, the link is courtesy of TallGeese. 😀 Hope this helps. >>

Heh..I actually have the link, but always feel weird posting it with Jack's attribution to me. Don't wanna come off like a shameless self-promoter...😱

 

[IFICUDIWUD]

:Q I've been reading the link you supplied.. (much appreciated).. and now I am a confused puppy.. I kinda understand what I need to do and will probably go with the smc for the printer server, seems like a worthy option for a smaller price than the linksys. But in my reading i'm starting to see things called opening ports etc for some applications.. Not being a computer whiz..although somewhat proficient this information tends to make me feel like i might be getting in over my head. Of course I felt that way when I started researching parts to build my first box,, How much setup and configuration will be required for online gaming?? I like to play Diab2 from time to time and have been known to put the Q2 in from time to time.. although not addicted to either.. Are there serious limitations in using a router?? and I have yet to be able to figure out what NAT is and how it will effect my choice in routers.. Much more help is needed,, THANKS