how do i connect a pc that has an earthlink internet connection via a linksys router to another computer ?

Answer 1

You can get a wireless or wired network. The first item you need is a Router. You connect the main incoming Internet line to that machine. The router will know how to keep the two signals from interfering with each other.

Then you need a network card for each machine. These cards talk with the router, and through it the modem, and then the Internet. If you buy a wireless router then you will be paying more for that. You will also need wireless cards to get the wireless benefit. A wireless network is good if you have a portable machine (notebook) or if you don’t want to feed wires all over your house. I use a wireless network and a wireless card for my notebook, and then I use a wire and wired card to connect my PC, since I don’t move it around. I placed the modem near the PC to keep the wire short. So it is possible to mix a wired connection and a wireless connection if you buy a wireless router. I use a Linksys system with Linksys cards. For the best performance I would make sure that my cards and router are from the same company. (Linksys.com--routers: http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Content_C1&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1115417027773&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FvisitorWrapper) (Linksys downloads: http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?childpagename=US%2FLayout&packedargs=c%3DL_Content_C1%26cid%3D1115416835852%26site%3DUS&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FvisitorWrapper)

Thick walls, like brick or concrete blocks, can block a wireless connection but the signal can still get through the walls (or the windows) and be received outside the house. If this happens then it is possible for someone to hitch hike on your network and get free network access. If you have a wireless router than it might be wise to get a firewall program to prevent people from entering your machine. With a wired connection you system will be more secure, but you sacrifice the portability. If you live in a residential area then few network hounds will try to steal your broadband connection. I use Zone Alarm, which includes Cookie control and anti-spyware software. It costs $40 per year (http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/catalog/products/sku_list_zap.jsp;jsessionid=EuaAEjwOb8Z3Czd62TO1PO38fnQ0zqVFQd5S8NLKVTzzeq3rakI8!1792791820!-1062696904!7551!7552!NONE?dc=12bms&ctry=US&lang=en)

Install the cards in the computers. With a notebook computer you can put the network card inside one of the slots on the computer, you don’t have to take it apart. For a PC you have to take off the cover and plug in the new network card.

Then go to Start > Settings > Control Panel > Network and Dial up Connections > Make new Connection. Then follow the wizard. If a driver is required then it will be included with the router, but usually they don’t need drivers.

If this is beginning to sound too complicated then you should get a computer pro to do it for you. Best Buy offers the Geek Squad who will come out to your home to set things up, but it will cost more. It is the best option though. If you can bring both computers, cards, and router to a dealer then you can set the network up there, in their shop. Then when you come home you can connect the network router to your modem. This should work, but I can’t guarantee it.

You can buy the equipment on-line or buy it through eBay, but you will have to set up the Network yourself. If you go to a computer store and purchase the equipment there then the salesman can give you advice on which system to buy and some hints on how to set it up. It would be smart to either bring in your computers or to bring in a card from each machine to make sure that you get the proper network cards. Most computer stores have an in-store-shop that can set up your network there.

If you are not a computer pro then I recommend that you go to Best Buy and see a salesman about setting up a network.

Answer 2

Plug the other PC in to the router
sorry, read setting up a home network
(windows help and support)
I suggest you set it up so the Internet is connected to the router
than each PCs to the router