3 pc's, 1 DSL line. What is the easiest and cheapest way to connect all 3? Please be specific.?

Answer 1

http://www.howstuffworks.com/home-network.htm

Answer 2

FIRST... If it is NOT a wireless box. Look at the DSL box, and see how many "ethernet" ports it has. If it has 3 or more, you are in business on that end, (ALL have at least 1); if less you need to add an ethernet router or "switch". Do NOT use a "hub", as a "switch" is about the same price but operates MUCH better.

SECOND... Check the computers to see if they all have ethernet ports, either built-in or add-on boards. (MOST newer ones do have the ports "built-in", and it lists this in the specifications.) If they do, you are in business on the computer end.

Simply figure out where would be the best place to put the computers and DSL box, and run "ethernet" Cat5 cable from each computer to the box. Then set up internet connection on EACH computer. (See manual or "help" section) Cables can be purchased already made up to 50' long.

OR

With a "wireless" DSL box, add a wireless card to each computer, then set up internet connection as above.

OR

With a NOT wireless box, add a wireless router, (also called an "access point"), and connect the router to the DSL box with a short "ethernet" cable. Install cards in PC's as above and connect as above.

THIS way EACH will have it's OWN connection to the Internet without using one of the computers as an access point, (ICS, Internet Connection Sharing.) As a side benefit, the PC's, if set up properly, (see your manual), will be able to communicate with each other in a LAN, Local Area Network. (The girls won't have to run back and forth or holler at each other. AHH, peace and quiet.)

Check the manuals for the various units so that you understand how things hook up.

If using WIRELESS, be sure to see the instructions on setting up the security on the router so as to prevent outside "freeloaders" from using your connection.

Answer 3

Buy a router... I recommend the Linksys WRT54GL. You need to hook up all your PCs with some ethernet cable to the router, and connect the Ethernet port on your DSL modem to the IN port on your router.

Answer 4

Wireless router and 3 wireless PCI slot cards.
There are quite cheap ones ( but these are normally unreliable) you will be looking to spend about £100 on a router and about £30 on each PCI wireless desktop card.

Answer 5

I use a cabled router, it connects with ethernet cables. Very easy and faster than wi-fi. Mine is a D-Link.

Answer 6

Linksys router.

Wired:
http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1122062340941&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper

Wireless:
http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1149562300349&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper

Answer 7

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/setup/default.mspx

This is a great site to get you started.