Soon to have two computers...

[blindem]

.. and I'd like to be able to give my older one to my wife for her office and put my new Maingear in mine. However, I don't know anything about what I would need to get/do to run both of these computers through the same cable modem for internet. I am by no means a computer guy -- I do work, surf the net and play games, but I know next to nothing about the hows and whys of computers -- so I figured I'd come to the experts here and ask you guys what I need to do to get this to work. I don't really care about networking the two computers; I just would like to be able to have both with internet access. Any advice or direction? Is all I need a router?

Yes, I am a noob. :lame:

[theDreamer]

What are you currently running? DSL/Dial-up/Cable?
Do you have a modem box? It is a box that your internet comes into has a few lights, and goes to your computer, or does your internet just plug directly in. Most do not anymore, but I have seen a few that still plug directly in, how I do not know.

If you have a modem box all you should need then is a router.
Go internet -> Modem box -> Router -> Computers.
You will need to probably check distances on how far apart rooms/computers are going to be, and where the best place to place the modem/router combo in your house.

Also, best bet would to look into getting a wireless router so if you ever pick up a laptop all you have to do is connect and you are ready to go. Plus another thing might be too look at a router that is N (is that the new one? I forget) capable so you are ready when it is used more and more.

[blindem]

Thanks, Dreamer.

We do have cable, and, as you noted, it does go to box, then to computer. The two rooms that we're using as offices are right next to each other, so wiring shouldn't be too bad. Could I also go with the wireless router (like you said) and put a wireless card in the old computer while running a line to the Maingear (as the box is in my office atm and that's how I have the old computer connected until my new MG shows up!)?

Any other advice anyone wants to share would be welcome. Thanks for the help!

[theDreamer]

You could do the wireless thing if you want to.
If I could draw at all I would draw how our family's layout is, ok cheezy, but it works.

My desk
____________ ______________
Router







_______________________
Brother's
C
o
m
p

That is our setup, I have a hole from the router to my room so I can have a cable come in, but I do not use it anymore since I have my laptop only and just go wireless. My brother since all he does is ebay, email, some downloading; he just uses some USB wireless thing and it works fine for him. Easy to setup and does not take up any slots in your PC. Though if your wife needs some quicker speeds or wants to feel as if she is not cheated on speed or something you can just add a card or wire her up.

I know the drawing is annoying, but the open space between router & my brother is actually the open area in our house (second floor) that is the entrance area so no floor or easy way to wire across that.

[RottynDawg]

I can't draw either so I'll share a link which has a basic description and can answer most if not all questions related to what you are after:

http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/help/76174f4a-7522-425a-9424-324dd299265e1033.mspx

I'm with Dreamer, unless your house is wired with CAT5 and makes it easy to run cables to two computers, I would recommend wireless for the ease of setup although with that...thera are a few security considerations to be aware of. I'll share those later if you end up going wireless; not a big deal but something to certainly be aware of...easy to address.

Some of the newer cable modems have ethernet ports on the back to let you network multiple computers (share the Internet connection). If so, you're all set...if not, you'll need to purchase router. Many wireless routers have switches built in so you get the best of both worlds. You can wire one or both computers, and go wireless on one or both computers.

Hope this helps :) If you live near Portland, OR let me know and I'll be happy to help set it up.

[blindem]

Thanks very much for the advice, guys. Sounds easier than I thought it might be, and is an easy way to keep the wife happy!

Unfortunately, I don't leave anywhere near Portland (northern Virginia), so as much as I appreciate your offer of help, that's not really an option!

Thanks, again. Anyone else who has advice or wants to chime in, also please feel free. The more information I have, the better off I will be!