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 I know there is a web site to help me, I have the link at home, (heck I took a class in networking three years ago, use it or lose it I guess). There�s two things I want to make sure of. First I plug the DSL into a router or switch, then from that into my computer(s)? What about all the software and s*** that Verozen sends for my computer? I think the cable or DSL providers frown upon home networks, but that�s the least of my worries. Two computers are practically next to each other but in the summer there may be a third computer three floors away. I�m using Intell�s home network just for that reason, it uses the phone line to communicate between computers. I suppose I can use the router/switch method for the downstairs and hook up the Intel network if I need it. But thanks for the information so far, going to put it to work this weekend. Kevin T. To-do list: cut grass, spread weed killer/grass fertilizer, wash car, hook up car radio, clean house, clean porches, clean basement, replace bathroom molding, fill waterbed, measure for mini-blinds, paint upstairs walls, paint front porch, get rid of carpenter bees, fix back steps, weed flower and vegetable garden, sort clothes closet, fix horseshoe pits, ride bicycle to gym, workout, buy computer stuff, finish hooking up computer system, go see Quiet Riot, drink some beer and relax. Three out of twenty-four ain�t bad.
