Connecting 2 PC's with a Hub to share Internet access ?

[Scottie]

Hi I've been using a Hub to connect my 2 PC's to the internet for about 2 years now. I heard it wasn't the best way, and that I should use a Router can somebody explain to me why this is please and thank you ?

[808smokey]

A router will allow you to tranmit and receive data to the 2 seperrate computers at the same time. Speedin internet speeds. Routers also give the computers there own IP address. That way you don't have to pay the ISP for two IP addresses.

[Ripper2860]

1. Most routers have a firewall making it difficult to a) get hacked, b) inadvertently receive and spread worms and trojans.

2. As 808Smokey said -- It does allow you to setup PC's and use private IP's which means you only need 1 IP address from your ISP.

If you are using a hub -- then all PC's need a public IP and you are wide open to the internet inviting all sorts of problems. Even S/W firewalls are not as goos as a hardware one. Belts and suspenders, though. Use noth as you can never be too safe.

BTW -- you can upload and download to and from 2 PC's at the same time with a hub. At least to the extent that you would never know any different.

[pyscrow]

Been using a switch and proxy software on my internet machine to give access to my three other computer for years with no hassles. Just run software firewalls on all machines.

A router is a good solution, but can be expensive if you go the whole she-bang with built in firewall etc. Some ISP's get cranky with you using them, as they want to charge you for the extra access points, but luckily they are getting fewer and fewer.

Personally I have not felt the need to go further than my setup - it works fine, and I can check the proxy on my internet machine to see what the kids are accessing, and use my firewall to block their machines from sites I dont want them accessing.

[flaninacupboard]

I can check the proxy on my internet machine to see what the kids are accessing, and use my firewall to block their machines from sites I dont want them accessing.

haha, that's cool! 8) Allow them access to nothing but videohelp.com (but best ban them from the OT forum.....)