Cable Modem, 2 computers- Router?

[consumertalks]

One cable modem, two desktops. Can I use a simple splitter like with cable TV? Or do I need an actual box that splits it? Thanks!

[Telexen]

No...a router is best but you can also put another network card in one of the systems (that's also connected to the modem) and connect it with a Crossover cable (not a regular network patch cable) to the other system.

yes you will need to buy a router to share out the internet

or a cheaper solution would be to install another network card on one computer and do ICS

this is how it will look with the router

linky

to slow

[nishark]

or if u are into linux then u can look at ipcop

its free, and the whole installation/setting up process gives u fair bit of knowledge on the whole !

<edit>
u dont have to be a linux guru, basic knowledge is fine. i'm not a 24/7 linux user, but i still managed to get IPCop running. there's quite a bit of support in forums and mailing lists all around.

i'd even say that someone without any linux knowledge could get IPCop up and running within no time. the 'installation' and 'admin' manuals are quite good and sufficient.
</edit>

[Telexen]

Originally posted by nishark
or if u are into linux then u can look at ipcop

I don't believe he has another desktop he could use as a NAT with IPCop though.

If you do though and are interested in IPCop, you can also check out smoothwall. Both work great (they do the exact same thing). Very simple installation (less than 5 minutes) and easy to maintain.

[jmichna]

Linksys BEFSR41 router can be had for less than $60 US. Takes all of one minute to set up and configure for PPPoE.

NIC for each PC, patch cables to connect between NICs and router, and you're set to go.

Been using Linky router since Summer 2000 on my little home 'net (three PCs, two running WinXP Pro, one dual boot W98se/XP Pro).