PLEASE make a list of equipment to hook up 3 home computers to DSL?

Question

This is making me CrAzY! I'm sure it is so simple that I am making it hard. I already have DSL(3 yrs) through Centurytel w/Netopia modem they provided. Now I want to hook up 3 more computers(all XP) in my large home. My main computer w/DSL has no slot for ethernet so it is through the USB port. My dilemma is wireless or not. And what the heck is a HUB?? My home has a down stairs w/phone lines in all rooms(11). What is a complete list I will need to hook up all three to my DSL? 2 downstairs. I mean a list from the Ethernet adapter down to wiring, routers, modems, hookups, wall plug ins etc. Should it be wireless? My home is really big. I have asked Centurytel and they rattle off something that sounds like foreign language to me. I need this in plain dummy terms. The brand name and a list of all equipment I will need to purchase. 6 months I have been intimidated by this. I hope someone here will just lay it out plain and simple, I would appreciate this so much as well as my family.

Everyone here answered with such great knowledge and all in easy dummy terms just like I asked. I would be right in choosing all as the best answer, but I can't pick all of them. So I want to thank ya'll everyone!!! I will have to choose sirelmo60 simply because they gave the most detail and I actually understood it!

Answer 1

When you say your main computer has no slot for Ethernet, do you mean there is no place to plug in an Ethernet card? If this is the case, not to worry. You can use a USB Ethernet adapter. If you do have an internal slot available, you can purchase an internal Ethernet adapter.

But, on with your question. What you need to get is a wireless DSL/network router like the D-Link WBR-1310. This unit will connect to your Netopia modem. So instead of your main computer connecting to the modem, the router will.

For each computer you want to connect to the network, you need either a direct Ethernet connection to the router or a wireless adapter. If you don't have a free internal slot for an adapter, you can use a USB wireless adapter such as the D-Link WUA-1340. If you have a free slot, you can use an internal wireless adapter like D-Link WDA-2320. You will want to have at least 1 computer directly connected to the router so you can configure the settings.

Setting up a home network isn't all that difficult, but takes more space than what a simple answer can provide. You might want to do a google search for setting up a home network for more information.

(NOTE: I mention D-Link in my response because I have had the most success with them. I don't work for D-Link or have any other connection with the company other than being a satisfied customer.)

Answer 2

First of all go wireless, its easier and simpler to connect to.
The first thing you need is to ensure that all your computers have Wireless capability (WiFi enabled). If not get yourself a few USB wireless ports
The second thing you need is a Router/Hub, basically a central place where all your computers will connect commonly to go to the Internet. Go to Best Buy or CircuitCity and get yourself a Netgear Wireless Router.
When you get the router, it usually comes with a setup guide which is simple to follow and will allow you to hook your modem to the router. After that setup, if your computers have inbuilt wireless go to control panel and switch on the wireless connection. On switching on the computer should look for available networks and should find the one you just setup. If you are using USB's then there will be software installation for the same. Follow that and you should be all set.

Answer 3

DSL modem, a router (wired or wireless) for wired a odd lot of LAN cabling, or with USB or pci wireless cards, if you go the wired way you'll need a LAN card to plug into.
Linksys
WRT54G Wireless-G Broadband Router
WUSB54GC Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter (USB wireless addapter)

Answer 4

hmmm.... lots of questions

mine is hooked up this way;

provided internet modem (motorola surfboard) to linksys router

linksys router to each other computer i want to have the internet access on. it's my understanding that hubs will not provide internet access to more than one computer at a time unless they are also equipt with a router.

i've wires Lots of wires but since my home is small i've wired them down through the floor accross the basement and back up through the floor.

Answer 5

DLS-G604T - Dlink dsl modem and wireless router

DWL-G630 - wireless note book adapter ( if you have notebooks)

DWL-G510 - wireless PCI adapter for other PC's.

These are the parts needed to go wireless. The URL listed has tips on building a wireless network.

Answer 6

To share an internet connection between several computers you need a router.

If you do not want ethernet cables trailing around your house get a wireless router

I use a Linksys router, they are relatively cheap and easy to setup

There is excellent advice here

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/moredone/wirelesssetup.mspx

Answer 7

u have no slot for ethernet u have to use usb/rj45 convertr and u need ethernet wire and hub . i am doubtfull that wireless may work or not in ur house u have to install wire network it can works out in approx. 50mt. range. u need two network adopters in ur main 1 for dsl and 1 for network connect that network adopter through ethernet wire to hub and connect other computer from hub to computes through ethernet wire. cat5 dlink wire and hub are best and network card is alos of d-link is best