broadband/computer network

[kas187]

hi guys, i hope someone can help me.

i have a sony vaio machine with an ethernet card installed and my dad just bought a new dell 2400 dimensions machine with no ethernet card but does have 6 USB ports. The VAIO machine is the main PC and has broadband connection. What i would like to do is to connect the 2 pc's and make a network between the two so i can share files and use the internet using just the one connection. I basically need recommendations for some hardware to make it all happen, i did shop a bit and is this the right sort of equipment im looking at

http://www.bt.co.uk/homenetworking/index.jsp?targetCategory=hn_products/hn_hn1200&show...K&obsOID=49259

if so would i need anything else or if im totally off track can you make some recommendations, thanks for your help, by the way im in UK.

kas

[reboot]

Wireless is one way to go. Wired is faster and more reliable.
Basically what you (should) need, is some sort of router, an ethernet card in each machine, and the correct protocalls installed.
Check out www.homenethelp.com and www.practicallynetworked.com

[mujahid7ia]

Unless wiring is a problem, I'd go w/ the wired. Ethernet cards are very cheap ($5 I see here in USA). However, if wireless would be more convenient, you just get a 802.11b or g router and a USB wireless reveiver for the Dell. Most wireless routers also have ethernet ports built in, so no changes needed for VAIO.

[fmctm1sw]

Be careful about just buying one of those 4 port hubs (wireless or not). Your ISP probably only alloted you one IP address. They can notice two computers on their network. There was a lot of good inofrmation on this at a site called "practicallynetworked" or something like that. I'd create two separate networks. You can find this info on the net somwhere. I may even have the link in an old post here of mine somewhere.

Edit: Ah, it's "practically" networked...

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/

[mujahid7ia]

Be careful about just buying one of those 4 port hubs (wireless or not). Your ISP probably only alloted you one IP address. They can notice two computers on their network. There was a lot of good inofrmation on this at a site called "practicallynetworked" or something like that. I'd create two separate networks. You can find this info on the net somwhere. I may even have the link in an old post here of mine somewhere.

Edit: Ah, it's "practically" networked...

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/

Most routers have NAT (Network Address Translation) so that the router appears on the internet as the IP assigned by the ISP, and al the computers look like that same IP. The computers get internal IP addresses (192.168.x.x) but that doesn't affect their web browsing.

[808smokey]

Most routers have NAT (Network Address Translation) so that the router appears on the internet as the IP assigned by the ISP, and al the computers look like that same IP. The computers get internal IP addresses (192.168.x.x) but that doesn't affect their web browsing.

You are correct. It's called subnet masking, Here's a crash course tutorial for ya. Your ISP will never know Plus the router has a built in firewall. Double the protection for 24/7 connections. Don't get a HUB. They're junk and you'll have to pay for the 2nd IP address. Wireless is great and is quick to install (no cables to run) but it's $$$ more expensive. Also the security risk is higher, you can "pull info right out of the air" If you have WinXP home or Pro on your VAIO you don't need a router. Just make the VAIO the primary/main/internet machine and connect your dads' through yours. You'll need a second ethernet card for the VAIO and one for your dad's all together I'd say that would cost less then $25.00US and take about 30-45 minutes to set up. XP has idiot proof wizards if you don't know how to set it up. You can also do it with older versions of Windows it's just a little more time consuming