New at networking any suggestions

[cloud639]

I am new at this networking stuff so any suggestions would help. I plan to get dsl from sbc and i've wanted to connect three computers so that all can share files and internet access with a wireless hardware. I've read all the networking forum about wireless networking and it seems all i need are:
1) A SBC modem provided from SBC
2) A wireless router
3) Three pci wireless or usb wireless cards
It all seem so simple but i know that there must be more to this. What else am i missing? Also i've read some forum about "access point" routers. What are those and do i really need it? One last question is what is the differences between pci wireless and a usb wireless card? Is it that one is stuck behind the computer while the other one (usb) can be directed to better location for better signaling from the wireless router?

 

[deadseasquirrel]

yes, when it comes to hardware it *is* that easy when all you have to do is plug one device into another. where it becomes more difficult is in the software and applications. different OSes talking to each other, making sure each rig is on the same workgroup and has the same protocols installed, etc. that is where you'll end up running into problems. and they'll be weird problems too. like your xp machine will see your win2k machine, but not the other way around and crap like that.

try to follow the settings that the router manual will have and if those give you problems come back here and ask. it *seems* so simple, and often times is, but you never know.

deadseasquirrel

 

[cloud639]

thanks i'll give it a try

 

[JackMDS]

This page includes links to SetUp and sharing, it might help if you get into trouble.

Link: Basic Networking.

Link: Diagram of Broadband Connection with Cable/DSL Router.