Page 1 of 2 computers connected to broadband at same time??

Hi everyone
I recently ordered broadband from AOL, it still hasnt arrived yet but theirs a few questions i hope people can help me with

firstly, We have 2 computers in our house, 1 in my room 1 downstairs, and i was wondering does anyone now if it will be possible for us both to be connected to broadband and be online at the same time??

I have heard someone talk about setting up a network, but i`ve very basic computer knowledge and was hoping someone could help?

Does anyone already have 2 computers connected to broadband? if so how does it work and how much did it cost to set everything up?

Cheers, hope this post made sense to a few of you..lol

You cant do it with AOL without creating a whole new account. With AOL only one screenname from the account can be online at any one time. If you have one already online and you sign in with the other it will automatically knock the first one off.

HTH
Bryan

PCPro have a feature on this this month (Issue 102. April). I`ve not read it yet, though, so I don`t know if it will help or not. Keep checking the PCPro website (www.pcpro.co.uk) - it will eventually appear on there under the `In Depth -> features` section.

I don`t know how it would work with AOL, but it`s relatively straightforward.

Each machine would need a network card, which are available cheaply (£10 each or so), and should be connected by a CROSSOVER (XOVER) network cable. They could also be connected via a hub/switch, but this will increase costs dramatically.

On the machine connected to the broadband, enable ICS (Internet Connection Sharing) through the network section of the control panel, or use 3rd party proxy software (I use Winproxy with by BT Broadband).

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The alternative to a long length of cable is to go wireless. Wireless networking is not as fast as wired, but is plenty fast enough to share a broadband connection. However it is more expensive, you need to decide if you are happy stringing cable round the house, or if you would prefer to pay more, and not have the cable.
A USB wireless network adapter (you would need 1 for each computer you want to connect together) will cost you about £30 (Dabs quick lynx 178ZWS). That is compared to a wired network where each machine would need a normal network card, if they dont already have one, which would cost you £5-10 each.
Setting up either kind of network is basically exactly the same once you have installed the network cards (which is as easy as plugging them in, and inserting the CD).
Then once both machines see each other, it is as easy as enabling ics on the machine connected to the internet. I have been doing it using ICS, and a mix of wired and wireless connections for almost 2 years, and it is great.
If you are still worried there are loads of great sites on the net to show you how to get it all up and running, and a quick Google with find them for you.

Hope this helps, Tom

These people should be able to help you. http://bbs.adslguide.org.uk/

I would go with `Pipex` or similar.Just over £22-00 a month & you can connect as many computers as you wish. I think the best way is to get a hub. Dabs.com have them from about £20-00. Avoid the Dabs own brand as I had trouble with that one (unless it`s changed). You just plug the hub into the modem & it give`s 4 outlets you just plug into other computers. No setting up unless you want to share files. You can have an all in one "Modem/Router" this is simply pluged into the phone line & it has 4 or more (depending which you buy) ouputs for 4 or more computers. Hope this helps. A modem/Router starts at about £85-00.

Router route, definitely. You can buy wireless ones too.

That way you can have 2 PC`s online. Only thing is, you will split the capability if using it at the same time - speed is cut by 50%.

Check this address for more info - http://www.ntlworld.com/linksys/

hi
Cheers for the reply.. The guy i spoke to at AOL, told me that i`d definitly be able to have 2 computers on line at the same time with our seperate screen names (we both do share the same master account but have individual screen names) if we had a home network setup. He said we have 2 weeks free trial and if he dont like it we can said it back with no charges at all. I hope this is the case..lol...as the only reason i am opting for aol bb, is the fact we are on it now and we get the free upgrade.

If it does nock us off, can you recommened any good services? we cant get NTL as we dont have cable or access to cable at the present time.

cheers

Cheers, i`ll defo make sure to pick up a copy of the magazine