Newbie with Network problems...HELP!

[MartyBoy]

hi! I'm new here! I asked my brother help and he referedme here. I handle myself good with computer in general but with networking, I suck...windows does not make it easy. So here it is:

I'm trying to onnect togheter 2 computer in network via a hub to also be able to share the DSL connection. One has XP and the other is older, has win 2000. First, I tried to make the network between the 2. In XP, they offer to make a special 1.44mb disk to run on the computer that has not XP so they can ba compatible...mmm Win 2000 don't accept it! Nothing happen! I tried this with a cross-wired cable, plugged directly in each cards. What's next?

 

[IceNineJon]

Okay, first of all, if you're trying to share a broadband connection, you need a router, not a hub. A router will also simply things. All you need to do is get a router, plug both computers into it using a patch cable (standard CAT5) and make sure your settings on both computers are the default Obtain IP address automatically and you should be good to go.

 

[MartyBoy]

In fact I looked at the "hub" box : it says it's a 5 port workgroup switch. Is that the same as a hub?

 

[IceNineJon]

Not exactly the same but you're still going to need a router unless you share your connection by using software on one of the computers. I'd go pick up a broadband router...you can buy them for $30 and under (you can get the Netgear MR814 for $30 after rebate...it's a wireless broadband router but has CAT5 connection in the back).

 

[MartyBoy]

Wireless? What's the difference? That means that there is no cables reaching computers?
Is the router kind of "plug and play"?

So let's say that I got the router now...What's up?

P.S. Sorry for all those questions! I'm in a black hole

 

[IceNineJon]

Well, for wireless, you'd need wireless network cards but yes, it would mean no cables. If you want to keep the network cards you have now, you just the router, plug it in, connect the CAT5 cables to it (just like you connected them to your switch), make sure your Windows settings for your network at the default ones (Obtain IP address automatically) and everything should work. Worked for me right out of the box. If not, come back here and we'll help you troubleshoot .

Come to think of it, my Netgear router came with a big foldout chart that shows how to set up the whole network. They also have an 800 tech support line that's open 24/7.

Let me know if you have any more questions.

 

[MartyBoy]

THanks alot! I will look into this!

 

[MartyBoy]

Anything that say DSL/CABLE Ethernet router into it is ok? As long as it's a DSL router?

 

[IceNineJon]

Well, you should find out what connection protocol your DSL provider uses. For example, mine (SBC) uses PPPoE. Most routers support almost any kind you'll find out there but just to be sure I'd find out. You can either give your DSL provider a call or check out DSLReports and see what you can find out. Then get a router that supports that connection protocol. Again, shouldn't be an issue but I'm paranoid when it comes to this sort of thing.

 

[MartyBoy]

mine is pppoe

 

[IceNineJon]

Okay, then then the MR814 should work for you or any other router that supports PPPoE.

 

[MartyBoy]

So, with a router like this, can I share a connection between my PC and a mac? My girlfriend got a Mac...that could be usefull one day

Is it also possible to share modem connection in any kind of way?

 

[IceNineJon]

Yes, with the router, you can share the connection with any operating system you want. As for a dial-up modem, you can kinda share it. You'd have to enable Internet Connection Sharing if you have WinXP (or otherwise download some software), the connection would have to go through whatever computer has the modem (the computer would always have to be on), and depending on the OS, it could be difficult sharing on a different computer. It's much easier to just share a broadband connection .

 

[MartyBoy]

that's because if I move into appartment for university, no money for the Broadband fees!

 

[JackMDS]

AnandTech - FAQ. Basic Options for Internet Connection Sharing

AnandTech - FAQ. Hubs, routers, switches, DSL, LANs, WANs...?

Ignore the prices in the links above. The same or similar hardware can be found for 60%-90% less.

Diagram of Broadband Connection with Cable/DSL Router.