Two computers, one modem, what is needed?

Question

I know this is a silly question but i am new to this.
In one room we have a desktop pc (windows xp) with a modem connected to a bt phoneline for homecall broadband.
In another room, we have a pc installed with windows 98 not connected to the internet and no modem etc..
Here goes :
I want to do connect the windows 98 pc to the other pc to use the homecall broadband. I know you have to get a router for this but do you need another modem?
Also would you need to connect the windows 98 pc to another phone jack?

Also, if i go into a shop tommorow, what do i ask for to do all this please.

All answers appreciated!!

Thankyou so much for all the very useful answers!!

Answer 1

just a router and the proper ethernet card in the machine ..

Answer 2

First, a couple of clarifications needed. Do you have Broadband or Dial-up?

Broadband, also called DSL or Cable, uses a NIC card, not a modem card.

Only Dial-up uses a Modem card.

There are Modem Routers out there, but they are rare to find.

Now, to answer your question.

Using a Router would require a NIC (or modem) in the Windows 98 machine. This would be the best way as the other ways will affect performance of the XP machine. Most NIC cards are around $15 USD, and routers vary in price depending on brands and capabilities. With a router, you will not loose any bandwidth.

You can also get a switch. Switches are a bit cheaper than routers, but also requires both machines to have a NIC card. Also, switches splits the bandwidth between both Machines.

You can use a crossover cable, which doesn't require a Router, but it does require a NIC for both Machines.
The XP machine will need the extra NIC to connect to the 98 machine. Which means you would need to purchase two NICs and the Crossover cable. This may affect the bandwidth for both machines.

There is also a way to use your house Electricals to set up a network, but rarely use as it is not the best way to do networking.

Answer 3

The easiest option is a combined dsl router/modem to replace the existing one, then both machines connect to the router. For a wired connection you will need a long enough CAT5 or higher patch cable. This will require a network card in the 98 PC. Alternatively you can get a wireless router, but make absolutely sure to get a network card for the machine which supports 98.
Do NOT use the network setup disk, it changes too much on 98, and often causes 98 to fail to connect to network. Just installing the card may be enough when using a router.

Answer 4

The router takes the place of a modem for both computers. You attach the line from the broadband to the router, and then a run a separate cable from the router to the network card (not the modem) of each of the computers. So both PCs would have to have a network card (also called a LAN or NIC card).

Once you have the router in place, click on My Network Neighbor on the XP PC and run the Network Wizard. It will offer to make a floppy that you can use to configure other computers to work with the first one on the same network. Use that floppy (run the setup.exe on it) to set up the 98 PC as it does not have the networking wizard.

Answer 5

I wouldn't recommend taking 98 on the net because of the availability of security software.
If you insist, just get a wireless router (again, you'll have a hard time getting one that supports 98) and attach it to 98 with an Ethernet cable. Take the modem off XP and wirelessly connect XP to the router.
Good luck.

Answer 6

You must see if the modem has any other port in the first place. If It's a DSL Modem. One Ethernet Port, One Usb Port besides of line phone connection and power cable.
Buy an apropriate USB cable and install the modem's driver for the cable. Modem had to bring a installation CD with it.
If It's not your case, go to a tech with your modem, he/she could help you out including other accesories if needed.

Answer 7

there are 2 ways.. your modem is usb right?

if both pc's have RJ45 (ethernet) you can piggy back the connection using a RJ45 cross over cable.. and using proxy software like


(thats cheap method)

http://www.analogx.com/CONTENTS/download/network/proxy.htm

using that..

better to get a netgear modem/router.. and perhaps an enternet card for the old pc..

even though the modem router has a firewall , w98 has security issues, so you'd be better off putting linux on that machine. if its an old pc, you can get versions which aren't so cpu intensive.. e.g. damn small linux.

something like >

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/119374


you may need to buy another RJ45 cable also if u didn't wanna use the usb dongle thing

and perhaps add a

http://www.ebuyer.com/search/?qfind=ethernet+card

Answer 8

we have a wireless router and have 2 lap tops and a pc running from it. although you might need a network card on the 98 pc.

Answer 9

a router will connect the two computers together so they can share that internet connection
however you can aslo use an ethernet hub or switch to do this (may save a little money)

Answer 10

the router will join the two together. if you tell the shop what you want they will tell you what you need. thats what they are there for,

good luck.
i have my two comps connected by a wireless router. but i am on cable so it might be different re the broadband.