How do I share my internet connection between two computers?
I have a cable modem hooked up to my main computer and I just got a second computer for the family room. I want both of them online at the same time. Do I need a router? Can I just run a cable between the two computers? What's the simplest way to do this without paying for a second internet account?
Sign in to message the asker.
My nephew set this up for me and it was easier than I expected. Don't be intimidated by the technical stuff — most of it is just clicking Next a bunch of times. If you get stuck, the Help file actually has decent instructions for once.
6 Answers
My nephew set this up for me and it was easier than I expected. Don't be intimidated by the technical stuff — most of it is just clicking Next a bunch of times. If you get stuck, the Help file actually has decent instructions for once.
This is actually a really common misconception. The technology works differently than most people think. I'd recommend reading HowStuffWorks.com for a good beginner explanation before diving into the technical details.
I'd wait a few months before jumping on this. New technology always has bugs and the price drops fast. Remember how DVD players were $600 and now they're $40? Let the early adopters work out the kinks and pay full price.
Have you tried checking the manufacturer's website for updates? A lot of these issues get fixed in patches that most people don't know about. Also check your firewall settings — sometimes they block things they shouldn't.
Be REALLY careful what you download to fix this. Half the 'free fix-it' programs you find are spyware in disguise. Stick to known-good stuff like the tools from major sites, and always scan downloads with your antivirus before running them.
Honestly the manual that came with it explains this pretty well if you actually read it. I know nobody reads manuals but for once it's worth flipping through. The troubleshooting section in the back covers the most common problems.
This question is resolved and no longer accepting answers.