[blaise78]

Hi,
I have broadband at home - I usually use it on my laptop. The NTL guys fixed the phone line up in the front room with the modem and that's where I usually use it. My girlfriend would also like it on her desktop PC in the adjoining room, though. Before I go calling NTL, inviting all manners of sales pitches, can anyone advise what the best course of action would be and which is the cheapest?
Ideally it would be good if we could use the net on our respective computers at the same time, but am I right in thinking this isn't possible on one modem?

Cheers in advance

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you will need to get a router (either wireless or not...i would go with not as it's easier)...then you will set up the physical network like this

phone line to modem > Cat5 (ethernet cable) to router > ethernet cable to laptop and desktop.....(assuming both laptop and desktop have a NIC (network interface card))

with a wired system...USUALLy all you have to do is plug everything in and the default settings work usually..

of course...IF your laptop has wireless you could use a wireless router instead of a standard wired one...but that setup is a little more complex...

[dsenette]

you will need to get a router (either wireless or not...i would go with not as it's easier)...then you will set up the physical network like this

phone line to modem > Cat5 (ethernet cable) to router > ethernet cable to laptop and desktop.....(assuming both laptop and desktop have a NIC (network interface card))

with a wired system...USUALLy all you have to do is plug everything in and the default settings work usually..

of course...IF your laptop has wireless you could use a wireless router instead of a standard wired one...but that setup is a little more complex...

[blaise78]

you will need to get a router (either wireless or not...i would go with not as it's easier)...then you will set up the physical network like this

phone line to modem > Cat5 (ethernet cable) to router > ethernet cable to laptop and desktop.....(assuming both laptop and desktop have a NIC (network interface card))

with a wired system...USUALLy all you have to do is plug everything in and the default settings work usually..

of course...IF your laptop has wireless you could use a wireless router instead of a standard wired one...but that setup is a little more complex...

Hi,
Thanks a lot for the advice. If I could just clarify a thing or two (I am braindead when it comes to technology).....What, in layman's terms, is a router? and where can I get one from?

[dsenette]

a router...is exactly what it says it is...a device that routes information between networks (your computers will constitute a network...and the internet is the other network)....you can get one from any computer store...best buy, compusa (if youre in the usa) circuit city...anywhere that sells computer equipment....or you can get one online....i would PERSONALLY suggest with your limited knowledge that you actually go to a computer store for it rather thanbuy online because even though they are annoying the salesman will probably be able to help you make a decision on a device....just keep in mind that almost all routers are the same (for your use at least)....they all do the same task....but in my experience linksys is one of the better brands as is belkin....

[blaise78]

Thanks very much for the help, it's much appreciated.