(Computer Help Question) Cable Modem Connection For Multiple Computers?

Get a wireless router. As for the brand - Netgear or Linksys.

 

Cheapest would be a regular (not wireless) router. If you don't go wireless, you're going to have to run an ethernet cord from the router to the other computer.

If you go wireless, one of you is likely going to have to buy a wireless card. You can connect to wireless routers with ethernet cords too, so you could connect your computer with a cord and just make him buy a card.

 

If you want to have access in other rooms wireless is best.

 

Yeah, he said he wanted the cheapest option though.

 

Like arkoe said, cheapest option would be to buy a non-wireless router. Chances are he already has an on board NIC, so you won't have to buy any additonal equipment. It would require your to run a cable though, which can be a pain. If you can spend a little extra you should go wireless.

Actually I just checked out BestBuy's site and they have a nice deal on a Belkin Wireless Router. If you bought this and a card for his machine you would be ready to go the wireless route:

Belkin Wireless-G Router

Belkin Wireless-G Desktop Card

I've always used Linksys, but they are more expensive. If you want the best price I think you should be alright with Belkin.

 

Wireless is getting cheaper by day. Just go to fatwallet and do a search on wireless

 

I am not good with Networking . . . so bare with me
What would one need to NETWORK the two computers
rather than just allowing the second computer to tap the internet connection

When I say network I mean like being able to share files
and printers etc. . . .

Is that more software. . with the Equipment above [if so . .what]
or
is more equipment necessary beyond this
[I think it is the former but I like to be sure]

Rocket River
I know this is outside the scope of his question but did not want to start another threat

 

River,

a router would be what you are looking for.

set the router up with it connected to both of the computers you want to network...if you have highspeed connection you would then connnect the WAN port on your router to the dsl/cable modem...then not only would both computers have internet access, they should be able to connect to each other for file/printer sharing.

 

Get a Linksys wired router (~$50 or less at any electronics retailer) and if you need wireless in the future, pick up a WAP then. Make sure you pick up a router that has enough ports to serve you both now and into the future.

 

Netgear's wireless routers are very affordable and work well.

 

With cable, the routers are plug and play. Dsl on the other hand is a pita to set up.

 

I have DSL
So
If I got a Router. . . It should go from DSL --> Router --> Computers

Will the Router serve as a sort of physical Firewall
or would i need software for that as well

Rocket River

 

all routers on the market have builtin firewalls that should protect you good enough...one thing tho...you get one, make sure you access the configuration page and change the default password to something personal...just to be safe.

 

Routers are cheap cheap cheap after rebate.

http://fsearch.fatwallet.com/results.php?PHPSESSID=175f573a0067534ed24dd382b470b123

Dlink is okay, but I have had one catch on fire before. Netgear is solid and Linksys is pricier but very reliable and does have 24/7 customer support.

I think the one I'm using now is AirPlus. It doesn't do well with certain cards, so if you get a lesser known brand, make sure your ethernet card brand isn't generic as well.

 

The problem with sbc dsl is that you need a log in. So you need to put in all that info on your router, reset the modem/router and hope it works. If it doesn't work you need to manually refresh the ip connection from the router. Also the dsl modem will automatically try to log in even if your using a router and there is an option/way to turn this off but I haven't found it....

Cable on the other hand, I just plug everything in, reset the modem/router and it works. No log in, no hassle, easy as cake.

 

What kind of DSL modem do you have? If it's the 5100 or 4100, then just follow these steps after logging into the modem GUI:

1. Select Advanced from the blue buttons on the left.

2. Click the PPP locations button.

3. The modem may ask your for the Modem Access Code again. If so type it in again and click continue.

4. Select the radio button labeled, "PPP is on the Computer"

5. Click Save Changes.

6. A "PPP Location Warning" page will come up. Click "Change PPP Location."

7. A "Restart Needed" page will come up. Click "Restart"