home network with shared dsl connection

[erucader]

Hi, I have a desktop computer with win98. It is connected with a network card to a DSL modem that goes to the phone line. Soon there will be a laptop with a printer and I want to share the printer and also the DSL connection. What will I need to link the computers? (btw the laptop has a PCMCIA card with network adaptor so it could directly connect to the modem)

ed

[zione1]

The best way would be to use a router.

The cheapest way would be to add a 2nd Nic to the desktop computer. You would use 1 NIC to connect to the internet and the other to connect to your other machine. You would also have to use ICS which is built in to windows (98se and later) to share your intenet connection.

[HAL9000]

I would suggest the router. Although more expensive, if you picked up a SMC Barricade router with built in print server, you could share the internet connection and the printer without having to rely on one or the other machine being on to use the DSL or printer.

[erucader]

Originally posted by HAL9000 if you picked up a SMC Barricade router with built in print server,

How much is that thing going to cost? i like the idea of 2 network cards because its a lot cheaper than a router.

also, the computers will be in different rooms, what would be the best way to connect them?



ps what does ICS stand for?

[zione1]

An SMC Barricade 4 port router can be found on www.pricewatch.com for 72.00 plus shipping. Not a bad price at all.

ICS stands for Internet Connection Sharing. As long as your running Win 98se or a later version of Windows it should be built-in. As far hooking them up, with out going into too much detail right now you can either run CAT5 cable to each computer or go wireless. Obviously wireless is going to cost you.

Whether you choose the router or ICS, this really isn't a difficult task at all. When you're ready to begin the whole process, myself along with many others here will be glad to walk you through it.

[erucader]

thanks for the help