will this work?

[stg]

I'm new at this networking thang, please bear with me...
will this work?
my dsl cable in to modem
modem to pc #1 ethernet card #1
ethernet card #2 in pc #1 to ethernet card in pc #2
pc #1 is winME
pc #2 is win98.
I am not terribly interested in networking them, mostly just want to share the DSL connection.
will this work? is there a better way to share the connection?
comments or suggestions please.
thanks.

[gunrunnerjohn]

That will work, however, I'd recommend that instead of screwing around with ICS you check out www.analogx.com and download their free proxy server.

The "better" way is a broadband router. Not only does it make it very easy to share the connection, but it also blocks outside access to your machine, which is a must when you're connected all the time.

Don't downplay the advantage of networking the two machines, it makes backup very easy.

[stg]

thanks for the reply.
ummm what's ICS ? ( told ya I'm new LOL)
just trying to do this on the cheap, dunno if I want to buy a router. you say it will work the way I planned? what brenefits would a router provide? I am using Zone Alarm firewall by the way.

[Confused]

ICS is Internet Connection Sharing and will work for the way you described. Be sure to use a crossover cable between the two computers.

A router, in my opinion is a better method. Many here have had problems getting ICS to function easily.

Also a router has a hardware firewall which many, myself included, consider superior to software firewalls. You can get a router for around $50.00. I saw on in the paper today for $39.00, dont remember which store. With a router you would use straight thru cables.

With router you would have no need for ZA.

Chas
PS.
I used to run ZA and had a big problem when I networked my two PC's. Wound up getting the WIN98 PC so hosed I had to format and reload to get it to work properly.

[stg]

k, thanks very much for all the info chas !!

[stg]

another thought.... how about a hub? Don't know much about them but I think they are cheaper than a router... here in canada the cheapest router I see is about $70...ouch LOL

[KHT]

Just want to mention about Analogx. I am totally impressed with this software. I`m running a dialup with Propel Accelerator (yes it does work and no, I cannot get broadband where I am at and refuse to pay satellite prices). My proxy machine has Zone Alarm (free version)and my client machine is running wide open.

I checked security from the client and proxy machine on PC Flank and came in totally stealthed from the internet.

No expensive routers, NAT firewalls, etc. Just freeware...

Thanks again gunrunnerjohn for the tip on the AnalogX site.

EDIT...I also installed VNC , another *freeware* program that works awesome, puts PC Anywhere and Remote Administrator (BIG M$ BUCKS) on the back porch. Sitting here accessing the internet with both machines and running them both from one desk top!!Happy as a lark...

[Confused]

Originally posted by stg another thought.... how about a hub? Don't know much about them but I think they are cheaper than a router... here in canada the cheapest router I see is about $70...ouch LOL

A hub requires that each PC has it's own IP address. Most ISP's charge for extra IP addresses. With a router you use the IP address that you have and the router in turn assigns IP addresses to each PC connected to it.

This is the reason it is such a good firewall, your PC's IP address isn't visable to the outside world.
Chas

[stg]

ahhhhh ok, never knew that, ty very much !

[glc]

The free version of Zone Alarm won't work with internet connection sharing unless you drop the security level to Medium - kinda defeats the purpose.

A D-Link DI-604 router is $62 CDN at www.ncix.com

[stg]

thanks all for your help !!
got the 604 today, set it up and all is fine.

[stg]

hi, me again .....
ok, so the router has been working fine,
got both comps netowrked ok, sharing files no prob.
BUT
the second comp ( the one with win98) weems to have stopped connecting to the net.
checked all the settings and everything is ok.
checked the wires, all ok
any ideas?
thanks

[Confused]

Start by verifying that DHCP is enabled and "Obtain IP and DNS address automatically" are still on.

Reboot the PC, router and DSL modem. Turn all three off, turn on the modem, turn on router after modem has booted up and turn on PC after router has booted up.
Chas

[stg]

ty very much Confused ! shutting it down and restarting everything did the trick.
However....
here it is a couple days later and my win98 comp has lost everythgin from the network neighbourhood folder.
After doing what you said everythgin was fine, file sharing, internet connection etc. Suddenly, and without fooling around with anything, the neighbourhood folder is empty. Not even the little globe dude is in it. Then it all reappeared and was working fine, now it is gone again.
Tried the shut down thing, checked settings, connections etc, all seems fine.
Wondering if it has something to do with the netowrk properties, all the TCP, NetBEUI stuff that I dont understand in the least.
any ideas?

[stg]

nevermind
updated firmware and it seems ok now