Connecting my two computers to the internet

[Ifyoubuildit]

There are many ways to share your cable internet access.

This is one way...the way mine is setup.

This assumes that you have Win98 SE (it will say Second Edition on your CD)

First you need a 4 port ethernet hub...preferably one that has an uplink port. If it doesn't you will need a cross over cable. Let's assume it does have an uplink port as most do now.

Install your NIC cards in the Host PC. If they are the same brand, make sure that you know which is which, its important...better to be safe and put 2 different Brand NIC's in the host if possible.

Install your 3rd NIC in the client PC.

Connect a 10BaseT Ethernet cable from NIC 1 in host PC to Cable Modem. Connect the other cable from NIC 2 in the host PC to the uplink port on the hub. Connect the third cable from the Client NIC to the hub.

On the Host PC, install TCP/IP and Netbeui protocols. Configure local NIC TCP/IP to use
IP 192.168.0.1 and subnet mask 255.255.255.0.

Configure the client PC TCP/IP settings to use DHCP.

Check if Internet Connection sharing is enabled in Host PC. From Internet Explorer: Tools | Internet Options | Connection

If you dont see "Sharing" button...you must install it from Windows Setup in ADD/Remove Programs in the Control Panel...can't remember the name of the category, maybe Internet or Communications (I'm at work on Win2k machine now).

Once Internet Conection Sharing is enabled...go back to Connection tab in IE Tools | Internet Options and click on sharing and follow the instructions.

No need to make a disk when it prompts you as this is only to setup client to use DHCP for TCP/IP.

Make sure you choose the right NIC for your Internet connection (NIC that is connected directly to the Cable modem) when it asks you (hence the importance of knowing which NIC is which when using same brand.)

Do not install Netbeui on the client machine and if the client is Win98 SE (it doesn't need to be) don't enable ICS on that machine.

Lastly if you want to be able to access files between the 2 computers you will have to enable File and Print Sharing from Network Properties ****Warning**** this will make it easier for hackers to attack you so get a Firewall program to protect yourself. ZoneAlarm is the easiest to use and it is a free downdload from www.zonelabs.com (http://www.zonelabs.com)

If you install zonealarm, it will tell you that you need to reduce your Internet zone settings to medium to be able to share internet through ICS. This is less secure but still better than nothing. ZoneAlarm Pro for a small fee provides better security for ICS.

<sarcasm>There...wasn't that easy</sarcasm>

Good luck...if you need more detailed info as you get going post back and myself or someone else will try to help you.

A more sophisticated way of sharing is to use a router. These often have built in firewall technology and provide better connection performance but they cost slightly more than a hub. Someone else may be able to give advice on that type of setup.


[This message has been edited by Ifyoubuildit (edited 07-25-2001).]

[Mr. Mojo Risin]

Just to keep your options open unless you already bought a hub and the third NIC ( Network Interface Card / Ethernet Card ), you can also go out and buy the 4 port Linksys Etherfast Cable/DSL Router for around $100 (USA)

Current Price Info (http://shopper.cnet.com/shopping/resellers/0-11643-311-1516994-3.html?tag=st.sh.11643-311-1516994.sort.price)

Router Specs (http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?prid=20&grid=5)

I installed it a couple months ago and so far it's been great for me http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

Also, I was using ICS ( Internet Connection Sharing ) for about a year before I bought the Linksys router and I have to say, installing the router was a lot easier to do if you want to use DHCP, just plop a NIC in each PC and connect them to the ports on the router and then plug the cable modem into the WAN port on the router and you are basically done ( unless your ISP doesnt use DHCP or you want to make your setup a little more customized ). Another good thing is that if/when you want to add another pc to your network & cable modem, all you have to do is put in the NIC, install drivers and plug it into an open port on the router ( since most if not all NIC's are defaulted to run using DHCP ).

In the end the choice is yours http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

One thing that is consistant for using ICS or a Router is to download and install Zone Alarm, it is a must have for anyone with an always on connection to the internet.

[Power-B]

My main computer is running win98 and my second is running win95.
I was told I could connect both to my cable modem access with 3
ethernet cards 2 in the main computer and 1 in the second computer.
now can someone tell me how I configure this setup please?

[hamsterstan]

You don't need a hub/switch to connect 2 PCs together. Only a crossover cable

[robin801]

hamsterstan---where can i get a cross over cable and how does it hook up 2 pcs to my dsl line?


robin

[RampageIII]

Don't know how DSL works but my cable company would require I have IP addresses(for extra charge)for each computer.

I have three comps on 5-port switch uplinked to internet router(all Netgear). The router spoofs the IP address so all three share without conflict or slowdown. Sweet.

But, if you don't need extra addresses then go with the cross-over and 3 NIC's(1 for client, 2 for server or comp hooked to modem, unless it's internal)