Off Topic

[david.c]

On the brink of broadband and have a couple of questions.

I am currently with AOL (who I wish to stay with as I have my business email address) on dial up on 2 computers. One is the family computer and the other my work machine.

With the current setup I can connect to AOL with either machine, but not both at the same time (which is fine), but with the new broadband modem only one machine will benifit from the broadband. Now here's the dilema, I want it to be my work machine, but don't want everyone else to start using it. 'Dad, have you finished work yet?'

What is the easiest way to enable both machines to access via broadband?

The broadband modem arrived this morning and it is a BT Voyager 100 USB ADSL Modem. Also, I am running windows 98 on both machines.

Any wise words greatly appreciated.

Cheers

David

[Hanslow]

I think the best way will be with a router of some sort, either cable or wireless.

I have a Netgear wireless router connected via cable to my main PC, wireless to my laptop and wireless to my bird's PC. Works like a dream and was relatively simple to setup.

You might be able to set it up with internet sharing but depends on what version of 98 you have I think. Think the Router is the cleanest way to go. If you get one with a hardware firewall built in will offer you an extra bit of protection.

You should be able to get some more info off here http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk

[adhawkins]

Your business address is a something@aol.com address?

Any particular reason why? For a few quid a year you could have a .co.uk or a .com, looks much more 'professional' and doesn't tie you to an ISP.

PM me if you want any more info and I'll try to help.

Andy

[david.c]

Andy

you have PM

David

[adhawkins]

I know, it told me

I often wonder why people do that...same with 'you have an e-mail'. I know, my mail reader has just told me...

Andy

[DarrenRav]

I use a 3Com 812 ADSL router it has a 4 port built in hub as well as the broadband modem also a firewall with 128 bit encryption, uplink capabilities to use another hub.

I've had 8 pc's connected concurrently all surfing with no probs

[adhawkins]

If anyone is doing this sort of thing, make sure the broadband router has a capable firewall in it.

I imagine they pretty much all do these days, but it's safest to check.

Andy

[Stueyboy]

I use a DLink 614+ wireless broadband router which has a 4-port hardwired hub built in and easy to configure web set-up which can do firewall and NAT translation and all sorts of secure wireless stuff.

I would recommend you also ditch the win98 and go for Windows XP as it will make all things seem so much easier in the long run.

Stu

[david.c]

Andy

Thanks for the advice earlier, it has given me some food for thought.

How easy is it to update the operating system on a computer, and what impact will it have on all the software that is loaded?

I need to change to Windows 98SE as a minimum for the AOL modem to work. I am reluctant to go to XP because the cad software I use is for 98/2000/NT and I have opted out of the £600 a year to keep me upgraded.

Cheers

David

[dbr]

I use a Linksys BEFW11S4 Cable/DSL Router which has built in Wireless to save running network cable around the house.

One tip - Install the Cable/DSL Router and create your internal network before having your cable/DSL installed. Certainly in the case of NTL cable if you sign on from a single PC the local network UBR 'remembers' the PC's address and then won't work if connected via a router at a later date. If you start with the router from day one all is ok.

NTL are currently working with AOL to be able to offer AOL broadband via cable as well as via BT ADSL - not sure when this goes live.

[adhawkins]

I would try the modem on your PC without upgrading to be honest.

You might have trouble finding a 98SE to upgrade with though, I doubt you can buy it any more.

Upgrading isn't too difficult, but there's the possibility of it causing problems with any installed software.

Try the modem under 98, it may just work. Failing that, I'd take the router option, and bung a cheap network card into your machine as it stands. That way all you've got to do is install a network card driver, which is unlikely to have an impact on the software you're already running.

Andy

[david.c]

Try the modem under 98, it may just work. Failing that, I'd take the router option, and bung a cheap network card into your machine as it stands. That way all you've got to do is install a network card driver, which is unlikely to have an impact on the software you're already running.

Andy

So Andy if I have understood what you're saying if the new AOL modem doesn't work on 98 I can stick a network card in and get a router and that WILL work on 98.

Plus that would allow me to run 2 machines at the same time, so long as I put a network card in both?

Thanks for your help

Cheers

David

[davew]

Put a network card in each pc and run internet connection sharing, I don't know but i think it is available in windows 98,  this saves on the expense of a hub/switch.

You can connect your broadband router via USB and use a crossover cable to network the two pc's.

Windows 98SE is only windows 98 with all the updates, if you get broadband then it is quite easy to download the updates from the Microsoft Website and you will have an operating system virtually equivilent to 98SE.

[adhawkins]

Yes to both questions (as long as you get a network card that is supported under Win98, but most will be).

Got for a NetGear or something like that, should be able to get a 10/100 card for about 10 - 15 quid.

Don't forget to get some cables

Andy

[ChrisG]

The big problem with modem sharing is that you have to have the host PC on all the time in order for the others to connect to the internet. Also you need to firewall protect that PC for obvious reasons.

The reason AOL wont support Win98 is because the first edition, as far as I remember, didnt have proper USB support built in, so getting a USB modem to work with it might be an A***. If you go with a hardware ADSL modem/router/firewall then you can stay with Win98 because you wont need USB support (as you arent using the USB modem AOL supply), you will all connect to the router via a regular network card (under a tenner each), which will act as an ADSL modem too.

I've personally got a Netgear DG824M which is an ADSL modem, 4 port switch, Firewall and Wireless router which is great, although wireless can be a pig to set up, especially on earlier operating systems. They are selling these at Insight at the mo, with a free Wireless PCMCIA card for £139+ VAT here , or basically the same without wireless for £85 + VAT here.

cheers

Chris