Need Help on Networking 2 home PCs

[sfabc]

I need advice on networking two home PCs. I would like both PCs to be able to access the Internet at the same time via a dial-up ISP. I nee dot know what components are required, such as network cards, router(?), switch(?).

Also, would the components change should I go with cable or DSL broadband?

[howste]

To do what you are talking about with dial-up, all you need is a modem in one of your PCs, 2 network cards, and a crossover cable. Sharing the connection can be done easily with Win 98 SE's Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) or Win ME's Home Networking Wizard.

I'm pretty sure you can do the same with cable or DSL also, although I've never done it. I think you might need a router or switch if you need to have separate IP addresses. I'm sure someone else will know.

Good luck!

[korgul]

You can download a program called rideway that will allow you to share a single modem. It is a 30 (I think) trial version. Let me know if you decide to use it. You will need 2 NIC cards and either a crossover cable or a hub. You can pick up a 4 port hub for a couple of bucks.

good luck
korgul

P.S. send me an E-mail if you need any help. I had the same setup with 4 P.C.s sharing a 56K dialup account.

[lost-and-found]

Don't even try to share DSL with the Microsoft ICS. I tried it with 2 NICs on one PC, and 1 on the other. I still have the Internet settings messed up.