I have two pc's both running windows xp pro and 512ddr ram installed. They are linked by a crossed cable and the cable modem plugged into the host computer and sharred.
Everything works ok, each computer can see the other, and both computers can use the cable modem.
The problem comes when the host pc is using the cable modem (ie browsing the internet) and when the client pc tries to browse the web. The speed on the client pc resembles that of a 56K dial up!! (by the way I have a 1meg cable modem with ntl)
I have searched google for an answer but without success.
Can anyone tell me how to improve this?
Hardware or settings advice wanted.
Many many thanks!!

There's one of two problems. 1. Your nic cards may be old and slow, or have slight incompatiablilities, or two, a common problem with running a host computer.

The thing about it is, that naturally since you are using a host computer instead of a router, it has to process the info. and decide whether or not to send it before it actually sends it to the client. It will take precedent and process the info. for itself first, therefore making the other computers net connection slow.

My suggestion for #2 would be get a switch or router if you can afford it, that should speed things up a bit.

Also, cable is a shared connection, therefore at times when other people in the neighborhood are using it, it will be slow. There's really nothing you can do about it besides getting another broadband connection (DSl isn't shared)

Many thanks for your comments. My NIC cards are fairly new (6 months old) and both the same.

This problem seems to be happening more and more, even when the host computer ISNT on the internet!!

I think i will purchase a router and see if the situation improves.

Will i run into any problems with software? I use grabbit (bin news grabber), kazza lite, msn messenger (on both pc's) Also outlook on both pc's.

Both machines also have Zone Alarm Pro v3.5.166 and PC Cillin 2000.

Try disabling Zone Alarm on both to see if your speed increases. ZA should not be monitoring the client connection of your host.

I have configured Zone Alarm Pro on both machines correctly. IE one as a host on ICS Gateway, and the other as client.

But just to try what you suggested, I switched Zone Alarm Pro of on the client machine but no difference.

Thanks anyway!