Networking Home Pcs
Newcastle Herald
Monday November 11, 2002
Q: My family recently bought a new home computer, as our original one was getting a bit slow and couldn't run a lot of modern software. We all use the Internet a bit. We still have the old computer. We were wondering if we could somehow use the Internet on both computers at the same time. We've got Windows 98 on both computers.
A: You can do this and it's a good idea that can cut down on your Internet connection times. First, install a network card in both computers. You also need what is called a crossover cable, which connects two computers directly.
Run the cable directly from one network card to the other. You can buy these separately or you can purchase them together in a kit. You should find you just need to unscrew the cases on your computers, insert the network cards into spare slots and then reboot. Windows will often automatically detect the cards. Alternatively, some stores will install hardware for free, or for a small charge.
Once you have the cards installed, start up the computer that you use to connect to the Internet. Go to the Add/Remove Programs control panel. Select Windows components, then Networking and check the box marked Internet Sharing Wizard. Click OK. You may be prompted to insert the original Windows CD.
After a brief pause, Windows will display a screen that tells you it is configuring your computer for Internet sharing. You will be asked to insert a blank, formatted floppy disk. Windows will write some data to this disk, as well as an executable (.exe) program file.
Take the floppy disk to the second computer, which is now networked to the first computer. Open Windows Explorer and double-click on the executable program file on the floppy disk. Windows will now configure itself on the second computer to use Internet sharing.
Finally, reboot both computers. You will now find that you can use the Internet on both computers at the same time. Boot the computer with the modem first. Then, start up the second computer. Connect to the Internet on the first computer. When you are connected, you can start using the Web or e-mail or any other Internet program on the second computer as well. David Williams is the National IT Manager for Advantage Personnel. Send your questions todwilliams@advantagepersonnel.com.au
© 2002 Newcastle Herald