How to get broadband on 2 pc's? Help Please

[230K]

Hi

Right forgive my ignorance, we have a pc downstairs in the study connected to broadband via the telephone circuit. Kids have a pc upstairs in their room that is not connected to anything other than a printer.
I Have a few questions:

• What way can i connect the 2 computers to ensure the kids can have broadband?
• Will the computer upstairs need a seperate Anti virus software?
• What is this wireless about would it work on the old P3 desktop upstairs?
• Oh by the way i have a phone socket beside the computer upstairs if it is of any help.
• Could both computers use net at same time?

Please help if you can.

Thanks,

230K

 

[PJH]

Although you have a phone socket by the 2nd PC it would need it's own router/modem.

Ask you Internet Service Provider if they do a free upgrade to a wireless router, then upgrade one or both PCs to wireless. If you only upgrade one PC, the other could still use a cable connection.
If no free upgrade you'll have to buy a wireless router and dongle thingy for the 2nd PC.

Router + USB adapter

Each PC should have it's own anti-virus software. Free AVG here

 

[splang]

I am having Bt Broadband put on tomorrow (migration from Nildram) because they are offering a free wireless router (bt hub) and internet phone etc etc ....
Looks like a good deal?

(or eclipse offer a free wireless router but i have heard very bad things about their service now)

 

[reflexboy]

If your second PC has it's own modem/router, you will not be able to both go online at the same time. Personally I would either go wireless (simplest) or buy a router with a built in switch-IE: multiple ehternet ports, although this would mean running a cable from each PC to the router.

 

[pammy]

wireless router and wireless cards in your pcs. It's the only way to go.

 

[230K]

Hi

Thanks all, went for a wireless router and usb thingy for upstairs computer. Managed to mess it up slightly bought a usb thingy from the Orange/Wanadoo ISP then realised i needed a router thought it did everything, so checked out PJH link and missed the other one he had with the router and usb sender thingy with it. Ended up getting a router from Dell and hope it works with the Orange Usb sender thingy although it mentions their "Livebox" hope it is compatible and that i havent messed it up.
Thanks for the links Router has cost £52.88 delivered and usb thingy is £24.99 delivered.

Thanks all again,

230k

 

[guydewdney]

you CAN use the mains to do the network - using special adaptors:-

eg from maplin - 70 quid (pair). No doubt cheaper elesewhere. plug into your mains plugs at both ends, basic router at the broadband pooter end, cheapo cables at the kids pooter and the broadband pooter ends - hey presto, network.

more stable than wireless aparantly (says he, using wireless, ina house with stupidly thick walls, having problems with signal strength...)

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Picked up a Cable DSL and BT ADSL router bundle from PC World tonight. Both Phillips and cost £45 and £48 respectively - both included a USB wirekess dongle. The ADSL router in particular looks pretty cool too!!

 

[PJH]

If the 2nd PC hasn't been used on-line you will have to do a Windows Update immediately. Possibly several times with reboots in between.

 

[whizzkid11]

Hi 230K,

I don't know what your status is with this request at the moment - but going by your initial request, there are two way to achieve your result.

OPTION 1. Obtain a Wireless Router (£40 ish)

This router is to replace your current router, procided by your ISP and connects directly to the wall.

You will then plug in downstairs pc directly into the router - and you will enable the wireless option on the router.

You then need to purchase a wireless network adapter (£14-£25)for your pc upstairs - and connect that with your router as an "adhoc network"

OPTION 2. Purchase a wireless network access point and a wireless netwrok card

Buy a Wireless access point and install it on your downstairs PC. This will then share your broad band internet connection, and will use your downstairs pc as wireless router/DCHP server.

You then Install the wireless network card in the upstairs pc and connect to the wireless network access point.

If you go the router option, it is certainly advisable on enabling some security on the wireless network - basic WEP is fine for home use.

Again, yuou will ne to make sure you have a decent uptodate Antivirus package installed and all the latest Windows patches etc...

Its a shame you are miles awayas it is a fairly easy thing to setup.

Any probs - or help needed feel free to drop me a mail.

rgds
Was!