BB Help!

[Robz]

I have a PC with 2 USB slots and an ethernet slot. I am using ethernet to connect to the cable modem. I have just bought a PC with no ethernet slot. Is it possible to have 2 PC's networked like this?

I have a router with 1 WAN port and 4 LAN ports.

Cheers,
Rob

[SLM]

Its not my strong point, but networking 2 PCs I think you require a LAN port and a Xover cable. your router is the easiest way to do things but again you need a LAN port. You can buy network cards for about £10-£15 and are very easy to install.

[MovedGoalPosts]

moved to Computers & IT
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Simple answer here, if you want to use more than one PC at a time is to use the router, since you already have it.

Ideally you want to use ethernet connections. You can get a network card for less than £10.00 these days, easy to fit too. If you want, you can use a USB connection, but you will need an ethernet to USB adapter. If you haven't got one of those, it's just as easy to get a network card. Network cards are generally thought of as better, as they have hardware dealing with the network data, whereas USB relies on you computer's general hardware, and thus reduces resources (power).

You could avoid using your router, using internet conection sharing, but this relies on PC#1 being on, whenever you want to use PC#2.
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Connections with Router:

Cable modem / STB > router WAN port
Router LAN #1 > PC #1 (network card)
Router LAN #2 > PC #2 (new network card or USB-ethernet adaptor)

You will only need standard ethernet cables between the router & PC. The STB/Modem > router cable will be the type supplied to you by ntl (some STBs need crossover, some don't).

If you want to use internet connection sharing:
modem/stb > PC#1 ethernet (or USB port however you do it now)
PC#1 USB#2 (needs ethernet adaptor) > PC#2 USB (needs ethernet adaptor)
You could use your router between the modem/stb and PC#1, simply to offer you a hardware firewall, but it's not vital. To some extent internet connection sharing, whcih needs you to also run wizards on the PC to set all up, makes your router unnecessary.

You shouldn't need any ntl software if using the first router option. except drivers for USB, if using an ntl supplied USB adaptor.

Remember when plugging in your new connections / setup, to fully power off everything, then powere up the modem / stb first, let that settle, then add the router (if used) finally computers.

[Robz]

Thanks for the help guys