Marvin wrote: >I highly recommend a router from someone like D-Link or Linksys. For under >$100 you can get a gateway router that will let both computers share your >connection. One computer can be used as a server if you want to run games >or a website, say, but when the job of managing the net connection is >offloaded to the router, I find Windows to be much happier (and my DSL >connection works much better).
I agree that letting a router take care of the internet connection is probably the best way to go, but I had a pretty major problem with a Linksys router/8-port switch. The switch part worked great (think of a switch as a hub without data collisions), but the router never worked. It wouldn't acquire the IP address from the cable modem, so none of the computers attached to in had internet access. I ended up sending it back to Amazon, where I bought it. (By the way, Amazon not only payed the shipping to return it to them and processed the return quickly and efficiently, they also refunded my original shipping costs. I was very impressed.) I also found out from a friend who's currently taking a networking class at DeVry that he's heard from others that Linksys routers often have "issues." However, I've heard from people who use Linksys without any problem at all. As always, YMMV. >The routers made by D-Link and Linksys are >super-easy to set up and configure, at least where basic networking is >concerned. I think they're pretty flexible with their advanced features, >too, but I've never messed with mine. > The networking teacher at DeVry recommended we look at getting a Netgear router/switch, and said the only problem she had with it is that she likes to get in and configure things, and learns the most from having to really *work* to get something to work, and she didn't get to do that with her Netgear unit because it worked without her having to do anything other than plug it in. (It allows manual configuration, but works great without it.) I'm ordering a Netgear router/switch tomorrow (payday). In fact, as it turns out, I'm paying 10 bucks less for it than I did for the Linksys. Reggie _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp.
