My networking knowledge capibilities are zero and I need some help. My plans are to attempt to network my son's new XP (Pent4) computer to my exsisting Windows 98 (Pent2). My 98 system is currently on line using a Speedstream DSL Modem which is currently connected by the usb port but can be used vis ethernet. My system has Etherlink 10/100 network card and my son's has a Ethernet 10/100 card. The only purpose of networking these systems is to share DSL service. We both have our own separate printers. After doing a little homework I have purchased a Linksys 4 port router and the proper amount of cat5 patch cable to connect the systems. I don't want to loose speed by going wireless so have opted to hard wire the systems. Before I begin an attempt to connect this hodgepodge, is this going to work? Am I going to run into problems on configuration and am I in over my head?

Sounds like your capabilities are good and your on the right track.

Do you know how you receiving your IP address? from you ISP? DHCP from the ISP it self or from DSL modem.. If your recieving your IP addresses from you DSL modem, you going to need help from your ISP setting-up NAT on the router, they might be dishing out 192.168.0.X or some other subnet and your new one might be dishing-out 192.168.1.X addresses. My ISP dishs out register ip addresses from the ISP's DHCP server, so I can't use a Linksys router for my setup, I am using a Linux Box turn into a router on my network. I would call your ISP and ask them these questions 1.) How am I receiving my IP addresses from my DSL modem or from your DHCP server..and you can check on your Win98 by doing a winipcfg from your dos prompt and it will tell if it's a 192.168.0.X or a register address... 2.) if I was to replace my current DSL modem with this new linksys router, do you support it?