Home network from scratch...

[Tiretool]

I'm gearing up to build my kids a computer and given the fact that all I'll have will be my current computer and the one that I'll be building, what will I need to connect them together and to possibly share cable internet access and local files between the two?

Please keep in mind that I'm totally brain dead when it comes to this subject so for all you techies out there that use multi-syllable computer lingo... have mercy!


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tiretool@pcmech.com

[Dave22]

You could start here:
http://www.pcmech.com/byonet/index.htm

or here:
http://www.homepclan.com/

[HAL9000]

You will need a network card in each computer. Contact your cable company about a second IP address. Some charge for it, some don't. If they charge for the second IP, and you don't want to pay the extra, then you will need a second network card installed in one computer that will act as a proxy server for internet to the second computer. Then you will need a hub and patch cables to hook it all together. Personally, I would see about getting the second IP as it really simplifies the internet setup. If the computer acting as a proxy server is down, then the other computer would lose it's internet access until it is back up again.

2 Network cards (3 if using as a proxy server)
1 Network Hub or switch (hub is generally cheaper and fine for a small home network.
3 RJ-45 patch cables for 2 computers and the cable modem.

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If it ain't broke, you're not pushing hard enough!

[Omletteboy]

Well as Hal mentioned if you have 1 ip address than you will have to set up a proxy. You can set up your proxy using Internet Connection Sharing in Win98SE, here is a url that describes the process to set it up http://www.annoyances.org/win98/features/ics.html

[glc]

If you use the proxy method and only have to hook 2 computers together, you can save $$$ and use a crossover cable instead of a hub and 2 patch cables. You will of course need to keep the existing cable from the modem to the existing network card.