heartbomb

I have searched prior threads where there is a lot of information, but I am hoping someone can tell me in simple terms what cable, etc. I need to hook up my old PC to the internet, going through my new PC. Here is my situation:

New PC is Dell with WinXP on the main floor.

Old PC is Dell with Win98SE directly below in the basement.

ISP is DSL with a modem currently running on the new PC.

What all do I have to do/buy to wire the old PC up to the internet? I prefer wired now, but one day may go wireless. Thanks in advance.

frontline

A good router and the cable is all you should need.
If the old PC already has a network card installed.

One patch cable from dsl modem to router
one cable from router to new PC
One cable from router to old PC

Turn on power to each unit in order
DLS modem first
then the router
then each PC
The defaults should be already set to autodetect

heartbomb

Rick, not anymore. If you don't use their install CD, you can't always set the router up. In order to avoid unnecessary service calls by the non tech savvy users, the makers of the routers have taken weakened the standard firmware to the point, depending on the type of connection, it won't connect w/o running their install CD.

frontline

Thanks for the replies. So, if I understand, I have to buy a router (like a Linksys Wireless-G for $50, or MaxG 125Mbps on sale for $20 at CompUSA), and I need two ethernet cables running from the router to each computer? I already have one yellow cable the ISP provided that I hope I can use. So, is it that simple? If so, any router recommendations? Thanks again. Tom

heartbomb

I like Linksys.

You could also do wireless, Get a wireless router and a wireless card for the PC that is downstairs. Wired is better. It's just another option.

frontline

WIRED IS ALSO fASTER
Always

heartbomb

At this point in time it doesn't really make much sense t get a wired only router. Wireless is cheap enough that you might as well buy one, even if you don't plan to use the wireles now. At least if you ever get a laptop in te future you can go wireless. Personally I don't really see a point for wireless on anything but a laptop in most cases.

Anyway make sure that you secure the wireless connection. If you don't use it at all see if you have the option from the router config page to turn off the wireless. If not then just setup the strongest secuity available so you don't have anyone hooking into your connection.

frontline

I have a total of 3 laptops here
NONE of them use Wifi at the house.

The idea of adding a wifi router is a waste
Installing a good wired router.
Then IF and when you want to add wifi.
Just add a wifi access point

Having two routers in one home network is asking for headaches

heartbomb

This was just the discussion I needed as we will have DSL next week. I didn't really mind the slow dial up as I was never in a hurry. BUT I got so tired of the inane excuses from the Transworld which bought out the local establishment. After telling me for the fifth week in a row that someone had cut a cable, I told them to hide the scissors. Constant disconnects, non connects etc. So on to DSL. My question was on the cables "One patch cable from dsl modem to router
one cable from router to new PC
One cable from router to old PC" Patch cable and cable same thing ie cat5 or 5E ? The telephone company is supplying the modem and said it would be connected via USB, not a cable so I am curious about that. After it is working, I'd like to connect the computer on the lower level so I appreciated reading this thread.

frontline

Yes, you should absolutely do something with Outlook express, like stop using it!
SECURITY ALERT! SECURITY ALERT! Outlook express is a security hazard.
Take a look at some of the alternative solutions mentioned around this forum. I personaly like Thunderbird