sharing an internet connection
 

hi all...I know I am gonna sound thick here but here goes....I currently use a desktop which was once windows me...which I upgraded to windows xp...I am getting a laptop which will run windows vista and what i would like to do is to share my internet connect between the twp computers...I dont need to network for any other reason as I dont want to share anything between computers but the internet connection...I am currently using ntl cable modem for my desktop...how do and what do i need to just share the internet connection between laptop and desktop.so as both can be on the internet at the same time.....i had a ethernet cable come with my modem but i use the usb connection at the mo....

Thanks in advance guys.....Dave

Re: sharing an internet connection
 

The EASIEST way would be to get a router - forget that you dont need to network your computer for any other reason, it's the most straight-forward method of doing it.

Re: sharing an internet connection
 

Does your desktop have a spare ethernet port. If it does then you can connect the ethernet cable from the pc to the laptop and then enable ICS on the pc.
Or if the laptop your getting has wireless then you might want to invest in a wireless router so you can use the connection anywhere in your house. Also using a router would mean your computer wouldnt have to be on when your using the laptop.

Re: sharing an internet connection
 

thanx zeph.....is it just a case of pulgging both pc's into the router and just clicking the internet explorer on the new one and it will connect?????

---------- Post added at 16:26 ---------- Previous post was at 16:24 ----------

yes it has a ethernet port but how do i enable ics on the desktop

Re: sharing an internet connection
 

connect to a router with everything switched off. Turn on modem allow to settle then router then pc's then they both should work.

To enable ics the easiest way is to run network connection wizard but ensure the computers are connected via a crossover cable and not the one that come with the modem

Re: sharing an internet connection
 

ICS is OK but both PCs need to be on and forwarding ports is not straightforward.

Re: sharing an internet connection
 

Thank you very much for your help guys....Much appreciated..Dave:)

Re: sharing an internet connection
 

Like as was said above, all you need is a wireless router, connect it to the cable modem, wire the desktop(if you so wish) to the router and then use the desktop to set up the wireless access for your lappy, job done!

I have 2 laptops, 1 desktop and 1 ASUS WL-HDD connected as a backup file & print server and all works a treat :)