I have 3 PCs .one hooked to cable modem run to router.Have all 3 hooked to router,all get internet fine.On each pc how can I locate the other two,Main pc has XP,one has Win98,other has Win95. Thanks

All should be in same workgroup; XP will need accounts for both '95 and '98 PCs in its user list/database; this to allow those two PCs to access resources etc. on XP. http://www.helmig.com http://www.dslreports.com First link will take you thru' complete networking 'how to'. Second link includes some basic, and not so basic, networking tuts. and also is very strong/detailed on sharing a dsl/cable service across LAN. Note that '95 installs netbeui by default - tcp/ip has to be instaled/added manually, although you may well have already done that? '98/XP install tcp/ip by default; also XP does not install netbeui (not formally supported in XP) but it is there and can be added if need-be.

We have 2 PCs that both share a cable modem but we have to switch the network cables so only PC can access the internet. I want to setup a network so both PCs can access the internet at the same time. One PC has Win XP other is Win'98. I have some questions about how would I go about doing this? Would I just connect a RJ45 cable from cable modem to a router and then have the 2 PCs connected to the router/hub? Should I get a router or hub? What kind of hub/router would I need to get and what is the price range? Would one PC need to be turned on in order for the other PC to access the internet? Lastly, any additional software that I'd need to get? Any other info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advanced.

Oceania: Using an access router: each PC would connect to that acess-router (which will be connected to the cable-modem); and this will also act as as 'hub' to allow the two PCs to see each other. Thus you would need only an access-router (and standard rj45 cables). http://www.dslreports.com deals with the how to use this method. D-Link/Netgear/SMC all make inexpensive units. I tend to avoid Linksys kit; some/many folks seem to have problems with it (but not all). Typical cost may be around $100 or so in N.Am. £60+ in the UK? Some of these routers also include an option to share a dun connection - as a backup in event that the cable/dsl service fails. Using an access-router requires only the PC that is to connect to the isp to be on (and of course the access-router; the other PC(s) need not be switched on/powered-up. Using ICS - another way of sharing isp (dun/dsl/cable) means that one PC is host to (service) the other(s). Consequently the host PC must be on to service other (client) PCs. You would not use an access-router in this scenario. The host PC would connect to the isp and then via hub (and standard cables) or no hub but with a cross-over cable between the PC's/NICs. In your situation XP would logically be the host PC to the client '98 PC (although either PC could be the host...). http://www.helmig.com covers various approaches to using ICS (and basic networking) etc. as does: http://www.practicallynetworked.com networking\sharing sections. ICS draws on the services/resources of the host PC to service the client PC(s) - and this 'could' slow its performance. An acces-router does not drain from the a host PC (there isn't one). Regardless of how you go about it, you have only so much bandwidth available. If two PCs are accessing the isp then they share the bandwidth betwen them. The more PCs 'on-line' the more the bandwidth is reduced to each PC. Networking software you already have in both OS; also ICS. ICS is effectively a cut-down version of Winproxy, and some folks prefer to use a full-blown version - be it Winproxy itself or Sygate's equivalent. All the above links include discussions re' using add-in proxy software. Need more info - post back?

I prefer the LinkSys router. The LinkSys BEFSR41 can be had at Best Buy and Radio Shack on sell for around $50 (or less) after rebates. It has a built in WAN Blocking inbound FireWall. They have recently upgraded their Firmware and the units are now very solid. And highly rated. If you get one, check its firmware level and date and check the web site for an update. Visit the LinkSys web site and study the units. In their support section, select the router and go to the downloads section. There they have the full Users Guide (PDF) that you can read all the details on setup and even all of the optional setting in the router.

Thanks for the help! I bought D-Link (di-704P) for $40 CAD and hooked up and it works great! Thanks again...I didn't realized it was so easy...which I had done a while ago.