getting setup for cable

[pc_nut]

I am considering cable modem. With a desktop and laptop, what do I need. I would like to go wireless, but it will probably be to expensive. Thanks.

[glc]

1. Cable modem with an Ethernet connection.
2. Broadband sharing router with wired ports and wireless access point.
3. Standard NIC in the desktop.
4. Wireless NIC in the laptop.

This is not expensive these days. Rent the modem from the cable company if the rent is $5 a month or less, otherwise a decent cable modem is around $75. Router will be $75 or less, wireless NIC will be $50 or less, and a wired NIC is $10 unless your desktop has a built in NIC, many do these days. The cable company will not install to a router, so you have them install direct to the desktop, then you set up the router after they leave.

[gunrunnerjohn]

Actually, if you shop the rebate deals, you can have the router and wireless NIC for less than $50 almost any day of the week. I also think that if I were balancing the $5/mo against $75 once, I'd pay the $75 and buy the modem. Wait... I did buy the modem!

[pc_nut]

Thanks.