Cable modem/Network questions

[Warthog]

I'm planning on getting a cable connection for my two computers within 6 months or so. I was thinking of installing a network between both of those soon. Do I have to install a network to have both of the computers running a cable connection? Do I need two cable modems?

Take it easy on the network terminology - I'm a beginner in that area. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

Thank you very much,
Warthog

[obenton]

Once you have your computers networked, one cable modem and a hardware or software router will give access to both. Good site for setup instructions is www.homepclan.com. (http://www.homepclan.com.)

[smokin1]

With a cable modem, there are a couple of ways to run your network to the internet. The easiest, but maybe not most advisable is to set up your network up and use a router. Connect the cable modem to the uplink port on the router and the NIC's to the other slots, then type winipcfg in the run line to set up the DHCP. This will give each comp it's own IP address..best to run a firewall with this config...and also the cable co may want to charge for the extra IP if they figure it out. Another way is to use 2 NIC's in the computer connected to the cable modem. One NIC is connected to the modem. The second NIC is connected to the second computer and the network is set up between these, then run something like Sygate to configure the subnet so that both have internet access. Don't worry, Sygate is almost an auto install.
Go ahead, flame me on choice 1, but it does work quite well....
http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

[Warthog]

Thanks for your input guys.

One more question: Do I have to have the computer with the modem turned on in order to go online with the other computer?

Warthog

[Target]

Yes you do.....

[Warthog]

I know it sounded stupid, but I wanted to get all the details. Thanks anyway. http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

Warthog