What do I need to get or use if we have two computers in a house? seperate phone line or wireless connections

Question

I am moving in with my girlfriend and we now will have two computers. I was unsure if we should try to get a seperate phone line or use some other device for my computer. I hear people say use a wireless connection but I don't know how that works. I would like for some to explain which might be best. We both use our computers alot for work and entertainment. Can someone please offer options?

Answer 1

If you will have a broadband connection then I would suggest using a wireless router to share the internet connection. Its not hard to setup and it would be cheaper then installing a second phone line and purchasing a second broaudband connection.

These will be your physical connections:

Cable from wall to DSL Modem
Ethernet Cable from DSL Modem to Wireless Router

Then install a wireless Adapter in the two computers.
If they are desktops use a wireless USB adapter
if they are laptops use a wireless PCMCIA adapter

Its not really required, but I wou;d suggest purchasing a router and adapters from the same manufacturer, such a D-Link. It will make troubleshooting a bit easier.

After following the installations instructions for the router and wireless adapters you will be sharing the internet connection. Thats it........

Answer 2

Do not get a second phone line. This is an expensive route.

I assume your gf has broadband. If not, I strongly advise she gets it installed on her existing phone line,

If the computers will be in the same room near each other, you can get a wired router. This is the cheapest and most reliable way.


If you are on cable (in UK only Virgin Media sell this) you need a cable/DSL router, which plugs into your cable modem.

If you connect via a non-cable phone line (in UK thats a BT line) you need an ADSL router.

You also need 2 ethernet cables.


If the PCs are not near each other, you will need as above but a "wireless" variety. Modern Laptops have wireless built in, but for PCs you will need to purchase PCI wireless cards.

Feel free to msn me [e-mail] or yahoo maniacmartinuk

Answer 3

Wireless connection. Thats what we have got and Tesco provide the equipment at the cheapest prices. We have 3 linked to each other and the internet using tesco bits. Hope this helps

Answer 4

Get a broadband connection, eitther cable or dsl. You can then purchase a router and connect multiple pc's to the internet through the router. And with broadband, you won't have to tie up your phone line, like dialup does.

Answer 5

Get a router. Shares internet connection and it's also a firewall. If you are going wireless get a usb wirelesss adapter with the router.

Answer 6

cheapest will be another phone line