XP home networking

[NJcow]

Well, my brain has been dug into 95,98 and ME for way too long. finally got XP Pro, and need help setting up hone LAN. I have my XP hooked to cable modem, I want to put ME pc thru XP pc to get cablemodmem access. Never had problem with other platforms, wher emight I find GOOD details on setups for this.
Thanx in advance.

 

[jsauce]

Have you tried the ICS?
Click on Network Places and then in Network Tasks in the left pane. Click on Setup Home or small office network. its a wizard and it should walk through you the process as well as set everything up such as routing and the default gateway. John D. Saucier
jsauce@magicguild.com
Certified Technician
Network Administrator

 

[cdogg]

Besides trying to configure ICS (which would work fine), consider getting a router for your cable connection. Linksys routers have gotten so cheap (model: BEFSR41 only costs $60-80 depending where you buy it).

With most 2 or 4-port routers, your pc's are placed behind a firewall built on NAT technology. This adds security as well as making it very easy to share your connection. All you need in addition is a network card (NIC) for each pc as well as a standard CAT5 ethernet cable connecting each to the router.


~cdogg

"The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources."
- A. Einstein

 

[smah]

And with a hardware router, you don't have to leave the ICS computer on for the client to access the internet.

 

[jsauce]

I prefer to route through linux myself. John D. Saucier
jsauce@magicguild.com
Certified Technician
Network Administrator

 

[Marcs41]

Sorry jsauce, but don't go the Linux way here, this is a home user, keep it simple.

Go for the ICS (or similar - WinRoute and the likes if you prefer) or get a Broadband Router.

 

[HwyStar]

DEFINITELY buy a LinkSys BEFSR41 Cable Router! Don't mess with that MESSY ICS. It's a joke.
You just take the router out of the package, cable everything together and in 10 minutes you've got all your home PC's on the cable modem. And you won't see any performance change even if more than one PC is on the Internet at the same time. You might even see a performance gain.
Come on.... it's almost Christmas! Get yourself a cable router with at least 4 ports and be done with it.

 

[Marcs41]

You are very right HwyStar, I would not use ICS myself either but if money IS an issue, then there is not much choice left, is there.
But anyway, you can always start with ICS until you are willing to pay for a router, if that is the case.

 

[NJcow]

Thanks, all this info is helpful !
I didnt know it was behind NAT...
One day I will try LINUX, who knows, gotta try new things...
Thanks again and Happpy Turkey Day!!!!!

 

[jsauce]

I wasn't suggesting he use linux I just said if you were going to use a router use linux. I started out with saying use ICS then everyone suggested using a router. John D. Saucier
jsauce@magicguild.com
Certified Technician
Network Administrator

 

[cdogg]

jsauce,
While I agree that Linux is the "No Holds Barred" of OS's, it isn't necessary just because you're getting a router. Linux does have better security, is simpler in form, and is great for setting up your own webserver. However, for the average home user, suggesting to use it is like opening a whole new can of worms...


~cdogg

"The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources."
- A. Einstein

 

[NJcow]

....oh I bet one day I will open the old can o'worms....
Anyways, thanks !!!. It sure was easier in 98 and ME, setting up LAN's anyways. Well, time to get XP for dummies.....

 

[jsauce]

Linux isn't as hard as everyone makes it out to be. Any idiot can setup a linux machine. Most of the linux flavors have a easy setup and have plug and play. And with X Windows like KDE or gnome, its really not all that different than Windows. In fact with WINE you can run your windows apps too. John D. Saucier
jsauce@magicguild.com
Certified Technician
Network Administrator

 

[cdogg]

True, but the original question had very little to do with changing the OS. The point is that you don't need Linux to establish a secure connection through a router.

If you can handle the change and configuration, more power to ya...


~cdogg

"The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources."
- A. Einstein