What home networking to buy?

[Coondog]

I am about to get my second home PC. I am unsure on just what networking option to buy, mostly just to share one 56k modem(DSL will be here sometime in 2002).

Also would be nice to play some of games side by side with my 9yr old son.

I am an old hand at PCs and PC hardware, jsut never had a chance to delve into networking. Now I guess is my chance.

Any advice on this?

Thanks
Coondog

 

[TungFree]

YOU CAN USE JUST A CROSSED WIRE (not a streight through wire) look up on the net how to build and crimp such a wire or buy one already done. This assumes u have a card in your computer and in your son's to connect the wire to.

Tungfree

PS if and when u get DSL and u have a card installed by the service then that 2nd card on your computer for the router to hook into and leave the rest as was b4 the dsl modem

 

[Coondog]

I don't really see how that helps me.

But thanks for the try.

Coondog

 

[JackMDS]

If you don?t have a Cable, or DSL, and you want to connect only two Computers, you don?t need fancy staff.

If the two computers has USB you can buy Network USB connector (Belkin makes one for about $50). Plug it in load the drivers and you are connected.

Otherwise get two Network Cards- NIC(about $15 a piece), and connect the two computers with straight through Cat5 wire (about $5).

If you want or plan to connect more computers, you need to get a Hub, and NIC.

If you decide to go with Hub, you can buy one of the typical Home Network kits. Such a Kit usually consists of 4 port Hub, two Cards, and the cables. The price varies and there are a lot of promotions. ($50-$100), make sure that the Hub and the cards are 10/100TX. Any brand name will do.

When you load Network Protocols load TCP/IP, and IPX/SPX. These protocols are used by many Network Games.

Internet sharing is done with the aid of Internet Sharing Software (ICS) which is part of Win98, or freeware programs like Sygate.

You can get this entire staff at your local CompUSA, or online vendors.

 

[Ringer]

Well, Your options are vast....The cheapest way is to use Microsofts ICS(internet connection sharing), it comes on the windows disc. Use a crossover cable and two network interface cards, one in your pc and one in your boys. I am currently using this method. I have Windows ME installed on both pcs. Windows ME is really easy to set up in this way, it does it automatically. The important thing to remember is you must use a crossover cable and not a standard network cable(cat5). The crossover is the same type but reversed for one to one connection. If you were to use a hub or switch or router you would use a standard cat5 cable,but your not so use a crossover cable. You can pick up a couple of pci 10/100 NICs at your local Best Buy or Staples or whatever for under 20.00...the same with the cable. Then add remove programs in the control panel and viola ..install ICS and your off to sharing printers and internet and letting the boy frag you in the latest Quake game...good luck...Then there is the more expensive method of routers, wireless connections and telephone wire connections...thats a whole new thread....

 

[Coondog]

OK thanks guys.

Any suggestions on the brand name of 10/100TX cards and HUB to buy? I think I should go with the hub due jsut so I can network 3 computers at once.

Coondog

 

[JackMDS]

The variety that exists is staggering!

Try this:

Buy two cards like this: http://www.us.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=10222384&loc=101

Buy this Router: http://www.us.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=10255428&loc=101


The Router comes with cables so for $126+ Ship, you are set, for three computers, and still one port free on your Router.

 

[Eug]

Goto Compgeeks and get the 1 Mbps HomePNA setup for $10 if you're low on cash. Two HomePNA cards included. Great for online fragging, but useless for file sharing.

cheap!