Would like to connect 2 computers to 'net...

MikeTAD · 9 Jul 2008 at 10:52

My present computer is connected to the 'net via a Virgin modem.
My newly built pc is standing beside it.
I would like to connect both computers to the 'net...and to each other of course...I'm an absolute noob at this...the jargon is new to me etc, etc.
Any advice on the best way to connect them up would be appreciated.
Cheers.

tres · 9 Jul 2008 at 11:14

if the virgin modem is a router as well, connect your new computer to it - instant net access, and very easy to set up sharing

if not, connect computers together with a network cable

J.B · 9 Jul 2008 at 11:26

you want a cable router.

FrenchTart · 9 Jul 2008 at 11:28

Get a Linksys WRT54GL. Ethernet router. Will also act as a switch for your PCs. Link the cable modem to the router WAN port and the two PCs to the LAN ports on the router.

Rabtech · 9 Jul 2008 at 11:31

/me engages parrot mode...

Linksys WRT54GL with tomato firmware - disable the wireless (as you wont need it for now)

MikeTAD · 9 Jul 2008 at 12:23

The Virgin modem is not a router...
So...I get a cable router...connect the modem to it...then connect both computers to the router...disable wireless (hopefully an easy thing to do)...seems reasonable...
Will that also allow the computers to 'talk' to each other? (software will be the thing here I imagine...I have XP on one pc...Vista 64 on the other).
Anything to 'beware' of? (apart from believing the purple shirts...)

FrenchTart · 9 Jul 2008 at 12:27

Things to be aware of:

* Steer clear of Belkin routers. They suck.

* Vista and XP sometimes don't play nice with file sharing. Usually not a problem though.

* For gaming/internet access, you'll need to do virtually no config on the PCs once you've plugged them in. They should work almost instantly.

* Disabling wireless is a very good move for security reasons (people jumping onto your wireless signal and getting on the internet) and can sometimes improve the stability of some routers. However, I'd do this step *last*...make sure you can get on the internet/etc first.

Rabtech · 9 Jul 2008 at 12:32

Will that also allow the computers to 'talk' to each other? (software will be the thing here I imagine...I have XP on one pc...Vista 64 on the other).

Yes

Anything to 'beware' of? (apart from believing the purple shirts...)

You must power down the cable modem for at least 60 seconds, power it back on, then connect the router and machines up, login and disable the wireless

J.B · 9 Jul 2008 at 12:46

With cable internet its easier than ADSL in my opinion anyway.

You literally just plug the modem in to the router, the modem assigns an IP and DNS to the router and your away! even easier if your wiring your computers directly into it as well, no need to faff around with wireless!

MikeTAD · 9 Jul 2008 at 13:00

Thanks for the info guys...I'm enjoying getting into a new aspect of 'computing'...doubtless there will be trials and tribulations to come!
Is a Linksys WRT54GSUK router OK?