Connect two PC's

[dilbert]

I am moving in with my girlfriend. We both have our own PC, and she currently has high speed cable internet service.

How do we share this service? Assume I know know, as this is the actual case. Is this what a wireless network is used for? What type of equipment do I need?

I'd like to hear what other people's experiences have been.

Thanks, Cliff

[Dean C]

You'll need a router. I've had problems with Belkin Wireless before so don't go with them. If you want a good stable wireless router I reccomend LinkSys. You'll need the wireless router and two cards for each PC :) And it's not that cheap ;)

[dilbert]

Gee Dean, that took all of two minutes for a reply, what took so long? :p

Are there different qualities of wireless routers? I don't mind spending the money up front to ensure a good connection.

Thanks again.

[C.Birch]

You'll need a router. I've had problems with Belkin Wireless before so don't go with them. If you want a good stable wireless router I reccomend LinkSys. You'll need the wireless router and two cards for each PC :) And it's not that cheap ;)

You dont infact need to have a router just goes by how you want to have it set up.

All i have is my main pc with a linksys wireless-G usb netwoek adapter card and then my laptop has a linksys wireless-g notebook adapter card that plugs in.

so when i want to use my net on laptop i just connect to the main pc and use its net using windows internet connection & files sharing this way i can also edit site files and things saved on my main pc using my laptop.

[Dean C]

Router = added safety. If you're going wireless you might as well get the router IMO :)

[DirectPixel]

I am moving in with my girlfriend. We both have our own PC, and she currently has high speed cable internet service.

How do we share this service? Assume I know know, as this is the actual case. Is this what a wireless network is used for? What type of equipment do I need?

I'd like to hear what other people's experiences have been.

Thanks, Cliff Check this out: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0007MGG2M/ref%3Dord%5Fcart%5Fshr/102-0476440-3846503?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance

It was $50 about 1.5 weeks ago, but it's still at a pretty good price. It should be adequate for your needs.

You can go one wireless card less with this, too. It's got a 4-port switch, in addition to wireless capabilities. You can just directly connect your PC to it, and have the other computer use wireless. :)

(and it looks pretty spiffy!)

[Vile]

As mentioned above, the best method is to use a router.

Whether you go wireless or wired, I'd recommend sticking to Linksys for the hardware.

If you go wireless, make sure you secure your network and use a key, as there are so many unsecure wireless networks out there.

[tgillespie]

If you have the money, definately buy a linksys router with wireless. If you have an extra NIC card laying around and a longer ethernet cable, you can simply share the internet from one computer to the next without buying any routers. Windows XP has built in internet connection sharing.

[Immulsifier]

I have a Netgear DG834GT and its been perfect so far. No issues whatsoever and is so easy to setup it takes about 2 mins. Lots of security features for wireless as well to stop those people pulling up in a car outside and jumping onto your network :)

[Wayne Luke]

If you have the money, definately buy a linksys router with wireless. If you have an extra NIC card laying around and a longer ethernet cable, you can simply share the internet from one computer to the next without buying any routers. Windows XP has built in internet connection sharing.

Without a Router/Switch/Hub, you need a crossover ethernet cable not just a standard ethernet cable.

For reliability and future expansion, a router/switch combo is the best route to go. It is cost effective and provides integrity. In the future if they add another PC, game console, Tivo device, Printer, or any other device to their home, they can easily add it to the network simply by plugging it into the switch and have it work. A Router/Switch provides the basis for a nice expandable network of up to 255 devices. Plus it provides an extra layer of support when it comes to people trying to hack into your PC.

[Erwin]

I use a wireless router/ modem/ firewall combo device which works very well and I connect my desktop, laptops and PDA with it.

[DirectPixel]

Without a Router/Switch/Hub, you need a crossover ethernet cable not just a standard ethernet cable.

For reliability and future expansion, a router/switch combo is the best route to go. It is cost effective and provides integrity. In the future if they add another PC, game console, Tivo device, Printer, or any other device to their home, they can easily add it to the network simply by plugging it into the switch and have it work. A Router/Switch provides the basis for a nice expandable network of up to 255 devices. Plus it provides an extra layer of support when it comes to people trying to hack into your PC. Get a wire-cutter, a wire-stripper, and two new RC-45 ends (if you want). Cross over both greens with oranges (IIRC) yourself. :p


(Diagrams: http://www.duxcw.com/digest/Howto/network/cable/cable5.htm)

[ManagerJosh]

Get a wire-cutter, a wire-stripper, and two new RC-45 ends (if you want). Cross over both greens with oranges (IIRC) yourself. :p


(Diagrams: http://www.duxcw.com/digest/Howto/network/cable/cable5.htm)
If you are going to spend that much time and get that much headaches, you might as well get a router.

[DirectPixel]

There are two wires that you need to switch positions with. The hardest part is getting all the wires to fit into the head again. Once you've got it down, you'll save yourself loads on car insurance. :)

[dilbert]

Hmm, still a little too technical for me.

The two PC's will be a couple of rooms apart, about 50 feet, on the same floor. Hard wiring them together is not a great option.

I was looking at this: http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?grid=33&scid=35&prid=610.

Would this option work for me?

I also need it to work with my SunRocket Gizmo, but I think they support this.

[DirectPixel]

As long as your Gizmo supports 802.11b, it should work fine with that router you picked.

[dilbert]

Ahh, I never thought of the PDA too, I have a T3 that I love. I've never connected it to the internet though.I use a wireless router/ modem/ firewall combo device which works very well and I connect my desktop, laptops and PDA with it.

[Wayne Luke]

Get a wire-cutter, a wire-stripper, and two new RC-45 ends (if you want). Cross over both greens with oranges (IIRC) yourself. :p


(Diagrams: http://www.duxcw.com/digest/Howto/network/cable/cable5.htm)

The person asking the question to begin with didn't even know how to connect computers to begin with, wasn't going to suggest making your own cord. Plus you only need one new RJ-45 connector, since you only need to do crossover on one end.

[dilbert]

I appreciate the replies, but for me, it really needs to be less technical.
I have never done this and don't want to end up with a mess that does not work.

[ManagerJosh]

routers are literally Plug and Play. So doubt you can mess it up

[dilbert]

Is 50 feet apart a problem?routers are literally Plug and Play. So doubt you can mess it up

[Wayne Luke]

Not if you use a wireless router or have a long enough ethernet cord. My son's computer is currently hooked up via a 75' ethernet cord. My parents have a computer that is on a 100' ethernet cord.


I would suggest buying the product you linked to above, 2 wireless network adaptors for your PCs and just plug it all together. They will come with simple instructions.

Hopefully, this is less technical enough for you:
http://www.linksys.com/linksys_solutions_home.asp

[ManagerJosh]

I'm running WiFI via 60 feet right now; no problems :)

I get speeds around 24-36mbps :)

[C.Birch]

Also if your modem is a usb modem then you can not use a router.

inless theres usb ones now?

[Dean C]

I can't describe how easy the LinSys wireless system is to set up. It's instructed in very easy steps that even someone with no computer knowledge can follow :)