any net-workers......?

[k-bored]

want to network two xp computers together,,, they are no less than a metre apart.
is it just a matter of a cable?

then i want to have the second one have access to the internet via the original,, this can be
done.. yes? one is the host or something similar.
is it hard to do,,, or just a matter of some keystrokes. are there many settings to change,
along with other fiddly bits.?

thanks for help.

 

[Malke]

want to network two xp computers together,,, they are no less than a
metre apart. is it just a matter of a cable?

then i want to have the second one have access to the internet via the
original,, this can be
done.. yes? one is the host or something similar.
is it hard to do,,, or just a matter of some keystrokes. are there
many settings to change, along with other fiddly bits.?

The easiest way to share an Internet connection and create a Local Area
Network for file/printer sharing is to purchase a router. You can then
access the Internet/LAN either wired or wirelessly, depending on the
network adapters in your computers. Here is some general information from
the Linksys Learning Center - http://tinyurl.com/8ka4w

Certainly you don't need to purchase a Linksys router, but the site gives
quite a good overview of basic home networking.

Malke

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

want to network two xp computers together,,, they are no less than a metre apart.
is it just a matter of a cable?

Yes, you can use a specific cable called a crossover cable.

then i want to have the second one have access to the internet via the original,, this can be
done.. yes?

Can be? Yes, but it's a poor way to do it. Far better is not to create
the network via a crossover cable but to buy a router and regular
ethernet cables, and connect both computers *and* the internet
connection to the router. That lets you create the network and also
lets either computer access the internet whether or not the other one
is running.

Yes, it costs a little more that way, but not a lot; there are
inexpensive routers available.

 

[Paul]

want to network two xp computers together,,, they are no less than a metre apart.
is it just a matter of a cable?

then i want to have the second one have access to the internet via the original,, this can be
done.. yes? one is the host or something similar.
is it hard to do,,, or just a matter of some keystrokes. are there many settings to change,
along with other fiddly bits.?

thanks for help.

The first question to ask, is how are you connected to the Internet
in the first place. There are some limitations on available networking
devices.

For example, many people are still using dialup networking. That involves
a modem connected to the phone line, that ties up the phone line while the
person is online.

Other options include ADSL (telephone company), cable modem (cable company),
satellite, various wireless options (HSDPA) and so on. Many of these
have mechanisms to support sharing, by purchasing another small box to
add to your hardware.

In the case of dialup networking, the hardware setup looks like this.
Computer #1 must be running, in order for Computer #2 to have the Internet.
In the OS of Computer #1, something like "Internet Connection Sharing" or
ICS might be used.

Ethernet
Telephone_line --- dialup_modem --- Computer#1 ---------- Computer #2
Crossover
Cable

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_connection_sharing

I have ADSL, and my setup looks like this. ADSL doesn't tie up the phone
line, and I can talk on the phone and use the computer at the same time.
ADSL is available in dense urban areas - the home must be located within
either 18000 feet or 36000 feet of a specially equipped telephone building.

Telephone_line --- Filter ----- Analog_Telephone
|
|
ADSL ------ Router (wired)
Modem | |
| |
Ethernet Ethernet
(Regular (Regular
Cable) Cable)
| |
| |
Computer #1 Computer #2

In that diagram, the router allows one or both computers to be turned
off independently. So one computer user doesn't need to know anything
about the other computer user, to use the setup. The same kind of
setup can be used for a cable modem.

Cable_TV --------- Splitter ----- To other TV sets
|
|
Cable ------- Router (wired)
Modem | |
| |
Ethernet Ethernet
(Regular (Regular
Cable) Cable)
| |
| |
Computer #1 Computer #2

So, that leaves the question about dialup. Do they make a
device like this ?

Telephone_line --- dialup_modem
| |
| |
Computer #1 Computer #2

They used to make a box like that. But I'm not sure you can still find
one for sale or not. If you cannot find one of those, then the solution
will look like the very first networking diagram I drew at the top of
the post.

For the higher speed modem cases, you don't have to use a router.
You can set up ADSL or cable to two computers, using the same
mechanism as the dialup case. Computer #1 needs two Ethernet cards.
Computer #1 must be running, in order for Computer #2 to be
connected to the Internet. But if you're spending $50 a month
for service like this, then adding a wired or wireless router right
after the ADSL or cable box, makes a lot of sense. My wired router
cost $40 and is well worth the convenience of not having to worry
about Computer #1 being powered at all times you want to use
Computer #2.

Ethernet Ethernet
Outside_world ---- ADSL or ------------ Computer #1 ------------ Computer #2
Cable Regular? Crossover
Modem

HTH,
Paul