Networking 2 home computers??? (dummy version please)

We have two computers, one upstairs/one down.  The pc downstairs is connected to internet (broadband), but the one upstairs isn't.  I'd like to network them so there is only one internet connection, but I don't know how to do it and I'm not getting much help from the computer stores around me.  Can anyone help,,,,please!!!

Hi Barbara,

I'm one of a bunch of IT consultants and/or IT professionals that visit UKY and I'm sure the others would agree that there are a number of options you can do to achieve this relatively straightforward requirement.

Wired version - If you are able to run a Cat 5 network cable from the downstairs PC/Broadband Modem location, you can connect both PC's up via their Ethernet sockets (this relies on you having a USB connected modem). If you have an Ethernet connected modem that isn't going to work, and you'll need whats called a Router. A Router will take the Output from the modem and 'split' it amongst the number of ports it has. A Cat 5 cable from each PC connects into one of the available ports on the Router. Switch on, and enable something called DHCP and the broadband signal will effectively be available to both PC's.

Wireless - Pretty much as above minus the cable runs. You can get Wireless Routers which accept the input from the modem (USB or Ethernet depending which type you have) and wirelessly distrbute the signal to allow broadband sharing and file sharing much as the wired version. however, you will need to equip each PC with a network 'client' adaptor which 'captures' the signal in the air and feeds it to the PC.

Becuase you dont specify which type of connection you have (Cable or ADSL) or the current modem (Ethernet only, USB only or one that has both) I've tried to incorporate the basic gist of what you need to do/know. Pop into PC World and/or have a look at online forums to get more of an idea and we can help you here with questions you may have. If you were nearby(ish) to Slough and West London, I'd arrange to resolve this requirement via my consultancy!

Hope this helps

Cheers! Dennis! West London & Slough UK!!

Can't add much to that, except if you go with a wireless system, make sure you set appropriate security features to secure your link from being seized by anyone else.  I'm sure you've already heard the stories about people driving around neighborhoods looking for "open" wireless systems.

Thank you both for your help!  At this point in time, I think we wouldn't want wireless, just a straight upstairs/downstairs connection.  We have broadband and the little box says adsl filter (speedtouch) which is connected to downstairs pc, I'm not sure about the modem situation.  I have another black box that is connected to the telephone line and through the usb port on the computer.  I don't think the upstairs computer has a modem, does that make a difference?

We have a PCWorld in Exeter, I'll try and get over that way this weekend.  We've been to Comet and Curry's but they never seem to want to serve us,,,I don't think we smell that bad!!  But again, thanks for help and maybe we can get this sorted soon.

Hi Barbara

Ok with this little extra info here's what you can ask for/research into getting

It sounds like you have a USB modem, which is fine to connect to 1 PC but is limited to connect more up. However, I do know that there are Modems which have 'both' an Ethernet connector output AND a USB output. So a very simple solution would be to get one of these  and plug the USB cable into the existing PC and run a Cat 5 cable to the upstairs PC. Upon switch on, you should find that both have internet access. You don't need another Modem for the upstairs PC.

Here's an example of what you'd need
http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=105767
It's an integrated Modem, Router, switch (USB & Ethernet connection simultaneously) - so all you'd need on top would be the Cat 5 Cable, not a bad price either!

Hope this helps!

Dennis!! West London & Slough UK!!

Ah, Dennis!!! my new best friend!  Hopefully, this will take care of my problems and I can do my Uni work in peace!

Thank you again,,,and if you ever want to visit the West Country, I'm sure we could old fashion West Country hospitality!

ps....my husband went to school for awhile in Slough, but unfortunately he didn't like it there.

Just get a wireless modem/router. It'll make life less complicated. If your laptop isn't wi-fi ready, just get a wireless card.

Can't add much to that, except if you go with a wireless system, make sure you set appropriate security features to secure your link from being seized by anyone else.  I'm sure you've already heard the stories about people driving around neighborhoods looking for "open" wireless systems.

Oh yes! WEP is very important!