yea, it is the worst way to network two computers. But if money is an issue then this works. U can get a really cheap nic card and the cable u can get even cheaper. I actually used this method, i bought a really cheap NIC card, and made a cable in school, i was in good with the Cisco course teacher. But yea, i could have bought a router, donno why i did it the hard way.

I want to connect two computers to one internet dsl modem and i dunno if im doing the right thing….. do i just buy a router, plug my modem’s ethernet cable into it and then just connect the computers to the router via ethernet cables??? is this right? and i dont need wireless, there a room apart

Ya, you just need a router.  Modem into router, then both computers connected over ethernet.

would this do the job isnstead of a router????
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product;%5Fid=278-2011

if not,

where can u get extra ethernet cables?

[quote author=“colebsmooth”]would this do the job isnstead of a router????
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product;%5Fid=278-2011

if not,

where can u get extra ethernet cables?

No, those will not work—that is a crossover cable, which has a twisted set of wires on the end ... used to connect 2 computers directly to each other.

All you need to do, is get a router like this one [ Linksys BEFSR11 ] Connect your modem to it via the ethernet cable currently attached to your PC to the port marked ‘Internet’—Then purchase 2 additional network cables which will go into Port 1 & Port 2 respectively, and attach to the NIC cards of each PC.  Definately make sure you get a network [patch] cable, and not a crossover, or your connection will not work, and it will drive you insane figuring out why.  You can pick up additional network cables at your local best buy or circuit city stores in the computer area right with all the home networking stuff.

Here is what an example network cable package would look like [btw, I recommend Belkin cables]

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1051384298273&skuId=4232654&type=product

If you have any questions, look me up on AIM or send me a PM.  This is what I do for a living, and I’d be glad to help you out with any issues you may be having.

Dave
-m

Ya munky beat me.  Crossover cables are to connect two computers without using a router.

[quote author=“colebsmooth”]would this do the job isnstead of a router????
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product;%5Fid=278-2011

if not,

where can u get extra ethernet cables?

this will work if u install two ethernet cars inside computer A, then have computer A connected to the DSL and install ICS or a proxy server on it. Then Connect computer B to the other ethernet card using a crossover cable. This works, but ur better of getting a router. More secure, also wont require Computer A to always be on and run a server in the background.

[quote author=“evilXhwnd”][quote author=“colebsmooth”]would this do the job isnstead of a router????
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product;%5Fid=278-2011

if not,

where can u get extra ethernet cables?

this will work if u install two ethernet cars inside computer A, then have computer A connected to the DSL and install ICS or a proxy server on it. Then Connect computer B to the other ethernet card using a crossover cable. This works, but ur better of getting a router. More secure, also wont require Computer A to always be on and run a server in the background.

This idea while in theory would work is the worst possible way to network 2 or more computers.  It requires they be daisy chained so if any part of the chain would breakdown, the entire thing would be rendered useless.

You did do a good job clearing up that a router should be used, but I figured I’d drop back and 2nd that notion

-m

im stickin with the regular simple router, and once i do that, can ii use one printer for both pcs?

Yes.  If your Printer has an ethernet port you can just connect it to the router also.  If it is just USB the PC it is connected to has to be on in able to print from any other PC.  Just set the printer up on one PC, go to the Printers window, right click the printer, go to sharing, turn it on. 😊  Then on any other PC’s go to add PC, choose Network or something, and it should find it.

thanks guys :D

ok i think im gunna use this http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Linksys-Ethernet-Switch—EZXS55W-/sem/rpsm/oid/47262/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

but when it says “It connects to your cable/DSL modem and communicates with your computers through wired Ethernet adapters via networking cable..” via networking cable??? thats just an ehernet cable right? and do routers come with ethernet cables, and if not where do i buy them???

yes, ethernet cable = patch cable = networking cable.  It’s all the same.

Don’t just use a switch.  Spend the extra $20 and buy an actual router.  You’ll have much better control over the traffic on your network as well as hardware protection against unauthorized users.  I recommend this one:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1051384171495&skuId=3906544&type=product

-m

ok, thanks, but where can i get 2 more ethernet cables ?? :think:

Radioshack, Best Buy, Circuit City, CompUSA.  Any computer store.

Agreed, they are readily available at any outlet which has anything to do with networking.  Just make sure you get a patch cable, NOT a crossover as mentioned beforehand.

-m