Recently Ive put a computer upstairs in my 2 storey house (P4 with windows XP-which has a phone socket next to it). Downstairs I have a P3 450Mhz computer (win 98 OS) with a DSl modem connected to the phone line which works/connects to my provider nicely (both upstairs and downstairs are on the same phone number). Will I have to buy a DSL modem for the upstairs computer? or can i somehow take advantage of the one connected to the downstairs computer. Note: Access to the internet may be required by both computers at the same time occasionaly. Thanks for the any assistance, Much appreciated

I'm the specialist in networking (well people say i am). It is posible to take advantage of your DSl line. In fact you can put as much pc's on it as you want. I have 3 on the same modem. What you'll need is a router. Not a hub but a router. The reason i dont recomend you a hub is that they case trouble (in fact they split the line in two). Routers are more expensive but they keep your internet the same spped on both computers. You can have 7 pc's and they will all go at the original speed. Of course i exagerate a little but you with 2 pc's wont see a difference. The best kind of router is LINKSYS. They have prouved me that they make the best networks easy. Basically when you get your router all you need it to plug your internet modem to it and then plug LAN Patch cables to each computer. You may need to make a few holes in your walls. Make sure that your cables are not yellow but gray when you buy them. With this router as well, you will be able to transfer files from one pc to another and play games via LAN. I would also recomand that you install windows XP on both PC's. Windows XP is the network friend. Having different operating systems on each pc can be trouble.

I have Boardband Internet via a router with XP on main PC, and 98se on a second. I set up both via the XP Network Connection Wizard with no problems, after reading instructions that came with the router. I later plugged in my XP Laptop and it came online by itself needing only network setup to be done. (again via the Network Connection Wizard) But as Marc says a Router not a Hub is the best and easiest way to go. I have access to my Printer, Scannor and all harddrives from every machine. (Main XP PC has a private drive as well)

If your dsl is phone-line service then you are probably using a USB connection to the PC? If so then your options re' an acess-router are somewhat limited... There are several makes of access-router for dsl/cable service that offers rj45 connection, but few for USB. SEG (a UK firm) make a range of USB-dsl access-routers... http://www.seg.co.uk/welcome.htm They also available in N.Am. Without a suitable access-router you will be limited to using ICS on one PC designated as 'host' to the other 'client' PCs. This will work - but will be generally not be as convenient as using an access-router. The 'host' PC has to be on (and on-line) to service the client PCs. With an access-router only the router and the PC requiring acces need be on. Also performance of the 'host' will remain unaffected by the attentions of the clients; client PC demands 'may' slow down host PC performance... http://www.dslreports - (networking and sharing sections) discusses most routes/options for sharing dsl/cable service - with the general caveat re' usb (phone-line) service. Incidentally I find Linksys kit less than desirable; some users have reported problems with it... D-Link/Netgear/SMC are three inexpensivie alternatives and all get good reports. ICS tutorials can be found at: http://www.practicallynetworked.com - sharing section - also check the networking section. http:/www.helmig.com - covers all aspects M$ OS networking, and also sharing dsl (incl using ICS). If your dsl service already offers (i.e. provides as is - without any extra expense to you...) an rj45 connection then a 'standard' access-router will do all that's needed - once you have installed/configured etc. And dslreports.com is 'the' detailed site for that approach - as well as offering some options re' the usb path.