Best way to share cable internet between 2 computers?

[drfsupercenter]

I use a wireless router. Works brilliantly.

I use one too, the nice thing is the computers can be anywhere in the house. It also has 4 ethernet outputs, so one goes to the main PC, it can go to another if it's in range.

My computer just has a USB wireless-B adapter, those are around $50.

[jm1647]

I'd recommend each PC to have it's own firewall installed. Zonealarm is free and does a terrific job.

I agree and use the free ZoneAlarm as another wall to break thru on the way in and also to control things going out and have most asking for permission to go out. If I have a program asking for permission to go out and I ain't using it then I know something ain't right.

[katzdvd]

I was wondering; Does the cable co. have a problem with a person sharing the connections between several pcs? Seems to me that they would, since I am only paying for one hookup.

Guess I have to hide the router when they come out for a service call

[Chewy]

Does the cable co. have a problem with a person sharing the connections between several pcs?

they tried that at first, my local dsl provider ships a modem with built in nat,
usb and ethernet(4 port router w/wireless) standard equiptment

[spuddog]

With my provider it really doesn't matter, I pay for a certain bandwidth. how I split it up is up to me.

[jm1647]

I was wondering; Does the cable co. have a problem with a person sharing the connections between several pcs? Seems to me that they would, since I am only paying for one hookup.

Guess I have to hide the router when they come out for a service call

Renting the equipment from the cable company would cost ya more. I have left my router hooked up with ComCast when they came out and no problem.

I rent the modem and whenever they start using a better one I trade the one I have in. I went from the old 3Com to the new Motorola Surfboard a while back.

[LT. Columbo]

I was wondering; Does the cable co. have a problem with a person sharing the connections between several pcs? Seems to me that they would, since I am only paying for one hookup.

Guess I have to hide the router when they come out for a service call

mine don't. they even gave me advice on which router to buy. everybody has routers these days. much like cable tv splitters.

[katzdvd]

My local pc store has a "generic brand" router for around $28.00. The next closest is a D-Link for aound $49.00. Would the cheapo one be fine? Anyone have any experience with an off brand router?

[drfsupercenter]

I was wondering; Does the cable co. have a problem with a person sharing the connections between several pcs? Seems to me that they would, since I am only paying for one hookup.

My ISP is like "routers aren't supported, but go ahead and use one" - most do that nowadays

[Dan]

I sold my router when my ISP gave me a new modem with 4 port router and wireless built in.

Haven't used any generic routers, but I liked both D-Link and Linksys.

[LT. Columbo]

my store talked me out of the el cheapo modem, several places all rec the d-link.

[katzdvd]

my store talked me out of the el cheapo modem, several places all rec the d-link.

Well, I did it; I cheaped out & went with the $28.00 "budget router"

I have 14 days to return it to the store if it doesn't work out. I have been doing speed tests with both pc's & so far all seems to be working great.

Next question; how do I get access to the other pc for files/printer,etc.?

[LT. Columbo]

my computer>my network places>set up home or small office network

you have to do this on both pcs.

[doctorhardware]

You have to enable the file and printer sharing on both computers I think.

[katzdvd]

I have noticed that after I am online for awhile, that Zonealarm starts to block my internet access completely. If I turn Zonealarm off, I am able to surf w/ no problems.

Am I safe enough behind the router alone? I guess I could lower the settings in Zonealarm, they are at High/Medium now, which is default, I think.

EDIT: Another "quirk" has happened. I am unable to view streaming video; youtube, google, cnn, etc. Will stream for a few seconds & freeze. Will continue to stream/freeze until end of clip.

Any one else experience this w/ a router setup?