Setting up a home network – help needed!

[Jimmy Little]

Hi guys, I have been asked by a friend to go and help set up a home network. They have

1 x AOL broadband modem (USB)
1 x router (brand new)
2 x Windows xp machines (one home and one pro)

the modem is already installed on the machine with win xp pro.

So where do I start chaps?

[Howard]

Um it's an ADSL router I assume?

If so, plug the ADSL directly into the router and leave out the modem. (Although it's not actually a modem in technical terms but thats not the point )

Now all you need to do is connect to the router (http:\\router:5656 or whatever the administration port on it is, if it has one), set up the ADSL connection, plug all the PCs into the router via CAT5, and they'll all automatically detect it and bingo! Internet shared all round!


If it's not an ADSL router, just a switch/hub/Cable router/whatever, then you connect the primary (server) PC to the net with the ADSL "Modem" and share it's net connection (I'm assuming you know how to do that with XP?) and connect it to the hub/switch/whatever and the other PCs to that!

Couldn't be simpler

[Blub2k]

Bobby I hope I am not being rude, but have you ever thought of doing some courses in computers?

[Jimmy Little]

Originally posted by Blub2k
Bobby I hope I am not being rude, but have you ever thought of doing some courses in computers?

yeah your rude

[Jimmy Little]

Originally posted by Howard
Um it's an ADSL router I assume?

If so, plug the ADSL directly into the router and leave out the modem. (Although it's not actually a modem in technical terms but thats not the point )

Now all you need to do is connect to the router (http:\\router:5656 or whatever the administration port on it is, if it has one), set up the ADSL connection, plug all the PCs into the router via CAT5, and they'll all automatically detect it and bingo! Internet shared all round!


If it's not an ADSL router, just a switch/hub/Cable router/whatever, then you connect the primary (server) PC to the net with the ADSL "Modem" and share it's net connection (I'm assuming you know how to do that with XP?) and connect it to the hub/switch/whatever and the other PCs to that!

Couldn't be simpler

thanks mate, i think it's just a usb modem, so the second option will be the best... just remind me on how to share the internet

[Blub2k]

If I was to say RTFM that would be rude.
Call a friend on the phone and say " you gotta check out this website <fill in fave website here>", then you would be doing your bit to "share the internet"

[Jimmy Little]

Originally posted by Blub2k
If I was to say RTFM that would be rude.
Call a friend on the phone and say " you gotta check out this website <fill in fave website here>", then you would be doing your bit to "share the internet"

your a bit of a dick yeah?

[Blub2k]

Bobby I hope I am not being rude, but have you ever thought of doing some courses in computers?

I did ask if you had considered doing a course as you do a lot here and ask a lot of questions and obviously would benefit from a course. I also precursed the statement by saying that I hope I am not being rude, you answered saying I was being rude which I didn't think I was as I genuinely think you would benefit from a course, at which point I got smart, and I am the dick?
Not very good at asking for help are you?
Anyway good luck to you with your network, N-plus is a good networking course. There are a lot of good websites out there too.

[Jonny M]

Guys calm down. Bobby Sixkiller, no need to start throwing personal insults around.

[Zak33]

Bobby my dear dear chap.....

I thought you were an IT person? Your personal profile does somewhat lead us to believe that you are...

and yet here you are, asking yet another techy question Whassup bloke?

Has your Password been leaked at work, and is someone ELSE asking questions on your behalf?

Seriously tho dude....chill. We help where we can, but you gotta follow the rules.

and DICK is an insult

Think it might be "Sorry" time dude? Agreed? Please. huh?

[Howard]

Wow what is it with people today? He asked for some advice... I seem to be the only one helping him...

__


To share connection:

My Network Places > View Network Connections > Right click the internet connection > properties > Advanced > Share this connection (or whatever the second tick box is labelled)

[Rabs]

Doesn't AOL create a network icon in: start -> settings -> network connections?

If so goto the connection press right mouse button, properties, advanced, tick internet connection sharing.

Regarding connecting the two pc's use a crossover and a couple of network cards (chances are your MB's have one built in).

The only downside to this is that the pc with the USB modem on has to be on (and connected to AOL) for the second pc to access it.

Using a router afaik isn't that easy due to AOL's stupid custom software. So it isn't a case of logging into the router and putting on your details.

The next best way is to get a third pc (doesn't have to be quick at all - ie P3 500 or so), install the AOL in this, have it contantly connected and sharing the net. The network (card or MB) output of this third PC, can then run into a hub and you can have as many pc's as you like.

The not so easy way is to bin AOL and go with a proper ISP that uses standard software/adsl accounts, so then you can use the proper router.

Hope this helps...

[Blub2k]

I seem to be the only one helping him...

So an A+ or an N+ would not help him then Humbug?

[Blub2k]

err Howard, sorry was a slip.

[Howard]

You've lost me

[Rabs]

Did my advice help?