two computors, one broadband

[david55amg]

Hi, I was wondering if you can attach my second (laptop) computor up in such a way so that I can browse the internet while my son chats away to his mates on messenger! I tried to get a wireless router to work with NO avail so gave up. Dont mind it being linked up by leads thanking you in anticipation

 

[blassberg]

which operating systems on each pc? Get thm talking to each other and you can internet share the internet-connected one

 

[BonzoDog]

You can use a Router and/or wireless. Having tried wireless we found too many disadvantages - poor security, blackspots, interlopers - now we use an ingenious system that allows you to use the elctric circuits in your house as a network. It is simple, you just plug in and go. Yes, I too was a sceptic but it works. The equipment we use is German, I think, from Devlo Microlink. versions of it also allow you to route other data such as TV, audio.

 

[nigel cross]

Do your pcs have lan connections? and does your router have more than 1 lan connector? Try using those ie pc to router via lan connector from both of your pc's

 

[Alps]

if you get a wireless router with LAN connections on the back , then you plug the LAN connection from your pc to the router, and if the laptop is not wireless then buy a wireless card for that and browse away.

this is the setup i have at home, and have even shared my printer out on there so i can wirelessly print!

 

[glojo]

It is simple, you just plug in and go. Yes, I too was a sceptic but it works. The equipment we use is German, I think, from Devlo Microlink. versions of it also allow you to route other data such as TV, audio.

Hi BonzoDog,
First off to answer the main question yes you can I have one broadband connection my computer and then it supplies my sons computer, plus my daughters. We have gone the wireless route, but spent a fortune getting it to work.

BonzoDog,
We have quite a large house and this causes wireless connection problems. How good is this system? Could you possibly pm me your evaluation, both good and bad with speeds please?

Regards,
John

 

[drifting]

Hi, I was wondering if you can attach my second (laptop) computor up in such a way so that I can browse the internet while my son chats away to his mates on messenger! I tried to get a wireless router to work with NO avail so gave up. Dont mind it being linked up by leads thanking you in anticipation

Depends on if you have a router currently or have a (free) Modem that came from your ISP. To be honest you would be far better off buying a router with 4 or more network connections on the back, most these days have a half decent firewall as well, which negates the need to buy firewall software.

Any of the newer SMC, Belkin devices would do the job. I would avoid Netgear like the plague, too unreliable. (Bitter experience) Do make sure it has a build in ADSL modem, and is also a router. Some routers are just that, routers only and are made for those with cable.

Paul.

ps Might be worth having a word with your ISP, that way if they supply it, they will help you set it up.

 

[BTB 500]

I'm looking into this at the moment as I'm moving into a rented house next week and won't be able to add phone points etc.

I'm advised by people at work who know far more about it than I do that not all wireless routers are equal, and to stick to major brands like Belkin or Linksys (Cisco). Even then, there are different versions (visually, almost identical) that give different connection speeds - so read the small print. And for the PC end of the connection, avoid the 'one-piece' USB plug-in devices ... get the ones with a flylead and a stand that can be moved around to get the strongest signal. Basically the message was that by spending about £20-£30 more you should be able to avoid most of the potential problems.

Of course if you live in a small property and/or have flimsy partition walls a budget setup may work perfectly.

 

[BTB 500]

Depends on if you have a router currently or have a (free) Modem that came from your ISP.

Some of the ISP supplied modem are USB-only, and you can't connect them to a router (this applies to the Sagem one I have from Tiscali). So a combined modem/router is the only option.

 

[maldon]

We run four PC's and a lappie off a single broadband connection.

Two PC's in the office at home and the two kids are on a different floor, with a wireless connection.

We have a single PC (no screen/keyboard - use remote desktop connection if need be) as a server.

The whole (network) setup was bought as a kit a couple of years ago - and was not hugely expensive - I know the cost of these things has fallen substantially. The server really needs to do sod all so can be a £ 199 job.

I can tell you that it has saved counteless rucks over internet access and has been worth every penny. Printer is routed via server - that means the kids can't just print stuff off willy nilly - nor can they access our main email - they just have to use hotmail accounts.

Is worth getting someone in for an hour to configure it all.

 

[david55amg]

which operating systems on each pc? Get thm talking to each other and you can internet share the internet-connected one

first, thanks for all your replies I am on aol's own broadband. At the back of the box, there is an ethernet (which I am using now) and a usb outlet. the computors are both running xp home edition systems. I am wary of wireless and form what I've read, it's a pig/expensive to set up. how would I get them to talk to each other? please bear in mind I am not very computor savvy

 

[hitt]

. . most these days have a half decent firewall as well, which negates the need to buy firewall software.

A little of topic I know, but I disagree with the fact that the firewall in the router negates the need for a software based firewall on your PC.
To put it in simple terms, the ideal firewall on the router will stop people getting into your network/computers. However, it does not (except in specific cases) stop information being sent out from a computer in the network.

For instance you may recieve an email supposedly from a friend, or insert a CD or disk with some data on it. In fact it could contain spyware (software that collects and sends out information). The routers firewall will allow this information to be sent out since it comes from a 'safe' source (your PC).

A software based firewall on your PC will flag up any information being sent out, and ask for your authorisation before allowing it to be sent. So effectively allowing you to filter what is sent OUT from your PC rather than just making sure something doesn't get IN (as most router firewalls would).

The secure solution is to use both.

Sorry to hijack this thread, just thought it was worth throwing in my 2 pence

 

[Jono_1001]

first, thanks for all your replies I am on aol's own broadband. At the back of the box, there is an ethernet (which I am using now) and a usb outlet. the computors are both running xp home edition systems. I am wary of wireless and form what I've read, it's a pig/expensive to set up. how would I get them to talk to each other? please bear in mind I am not very computor savvy

Wireless can be easy to setup if you have WAP (Wireless Access Point) and card from the same vendor, however (as seen above) it can also be a real pain. If you're not feeling confident and wires aren't an issue, it may be best to avoid.

Wired:
As you have an ethernet connection from your modem I assume it has router capabilities (needs to be checked though, run ipconfig from a command line, it should respond with "IP Address: 192.168.1.8" - where that address is just an example - and also "Default Gateway: 192.168.1.0" - another example).
If this IS the case all you need is a switch, which should be cheaper than a router as it is less complex.
Connect the modem box to the switches LAN input, then your PC to the back of the switch, on one of the ethernet ports.
Your 2nd PC will need to have a network card/port the same as how your PC connects to the AOL box. You connect the 2nd PC in the same way as the 1st.
You can then run the Windows network configuration wizard which (in my experiences) has proved reliable at setting up the network. You run it first on one computer and then create a disk for the second with the network settings.

If your AOL box is not a router and just a (AOL) modem you will need a router instead of the switch or you can replace the (AOL) modem with a modem router, which will (normally) have a setup disc to guide you through the install.

Simple?

I don't know anything about AOL, but most ISPs are able to offer help on what you already have and what you need. My suggestion is to ask them and then go online and purchase what you need.
Be careful with advice from some shops as it's not always _that_ accurate.

Hope this helps.

 

[madasafish]

I have a wireless setup using Belkin router and receiver.. at home. Uses NTL broadband 1Mb , goes through 2 metres of stoe, up 4 metres of house. XP on both machines. Norton Security and Anti Virus on both (£18 legit from ebay).

Easy to set up (20 mins) so far - 2 years - trouble free..