2 PC home network

[busDriver]

Hi, I need to connect two PCs so that they can share a broadband modem and a printer.

One is a 500mhz P3 PC running 98se, and the other is new Dell PC 2.2ghz P4 running XP home.


What is the best and cheapest way of doing this?

thanks

[Midknyte]

get a router. you could get a print server also, or just share the printer off of one computer. look at the "best of" sticky for more info. :

Best of Networking (http://www.sysopt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=162273)

[busDriver]

I'd rather do it without a router, to save money.

How would I go about this?

[Midknyte]

a router isn't that expensive. you'll still need to have 2 network cards in the "server" system, then you'd have to use ICS or analogX proxy. unless you have a second network card, then you'll have to buy one.

again, the info on ICS is in the best of networking "Internet connection sharing".

[Sterling_Aug]

A router is the cheapest and best way. A ggod router is only $60 or so.

You can buy a $5.00 cross connect cable which will allow you to share files and the Internet as well as sharing all of the viruses and spyware between both systems.

Is going without a router really cheaper in the long run? Nope!!!

[JacksterMan]

I got a Netgear Wireless router for $30 at Frys. No rebate or coupons. Incredibly, I've only had to reset it once and it's been stable for the past 3 months ('ve had it for 4). Seems like a great router. A router is a MUCH better option, especially if you want to be able to use the internet on one pc without having to have the other turned on. Also, without a router, you will have to assign all of the computers an IP adress and manually set everything up. It's a pain in the rear-end. Much easier to let the router handle all of that.

[busDriver]

Thanks for the replies.

I'll use a router. Will this one do the job?
http://www.microdirect.co.uk/ProductInfo.aspx?ProductID=5162&GroupID=291

Could someone explain (in simple terms) what else I'm gonna need (network cards etc.), and also how to set it up?

Sorry, this is quite confusing for a newbie to networking.

[Midknyte]

basically you need the router, then a cable to go to each system. that's about it.

modem->router->computers

the router will come with setup instructions also.

i hate to sound like a broken record, but please check out the links on the "best of" thread, especially ezlan.net. that's the whole point of having it. also try doing a forum search. we have gone through this subject many times, so there should be an abundance of information.

[busDriver]

Many thanks for the help, I'll have a look at ezlan.net.