What would be the best way of doing this??

Would it be ok to to connect one pc with a ethernet cable and the other with a usb cable or would it be better to get a ethernet hub and connect them through that?

Cheers guys.

would be alright with one on the ethernet and one on the usb but would need drivers for the modem on the comp connected with usb.

Internet Connection Sharing will allow you to use a USB Broadband modem on one computer...then you can hook up a 'cross-over' ethernet cable between the two, enabling both to get on line simultaneously.

Why not just get a router - is it a dial-up connection or broadband that you're using?

Ahh yeah should have mentioned that, it's a cable broadband modem.

A router is the tidiest solution (but dont go for a Belkin they are rubbish!)

Netgear seem ok tho

dont go for a Belkin they are rubbish!

Strange.

The one here is a Belkin, and I've not noticed anything wrong.

Strange.

The one here is a Belkin, and I've not noticed anything wrong.

I bought 2 from PCWorld, the first one lasted about 8 months, I gave it the benefit of the doubt and got another.... it lasted just 2 months.

I wouldnt ever buy one again.

I take it a router would mean going wireless? If so then that a bit over kill as the pc's will only be a few meters apart.

I take it a router would mean going wireless? If so then that a bit over kill as the pc's will only be a few meters apart.

No, most routers also have ethernet connections and the ability to switch off the wireless

I bought 2 from PCWorld.

There you go:D.

Got mine from Maplin:thumbsup:.

Ideally you would want a Broadband Router as this will provide the best option.

If you use Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) you would need to have the 'Host PC' switched on all the time for the other machine to access the internet, which depending on your circumstances isn't always the most convenient or economical over time.

As for brand i recommend Linksys or Netgear as they are pretty reliable and easily available.

You can pick up a broadband router (without wireless i may add) for a reasonable price these days, I'd refer you to the shop I work in but as its against forum rules to self promote businesses I think, I suggest you check out some of Sheffield's local PC shops for some prices or additional advice.

There you go:D.

Got mine from Maplin:thumbsup:.

They were probably both from the same trade distributor though:)

But I agree, Belkin have a higher return rate than Netgear - I know which i'd choose.

Thanks for all the info so far guys, its been real helpful. Could someone please explaine the difference betwen a hub and a router as they both seem to be doing the same job.
I thought i better point out that this is a external modem, not in-built.

A hub will simply allow two (or more) computers to connect to each other using their ethernet ports. A hub is also not the same as a switch.
A router does a whole lot more.

In the scenario you are looking at it, a typical cable broadband router has a built in switch with a number of ports ( a switch is like a hub but much smarter in how it works), plus a DHCP process that will assign IP (network) addresses to the computers attached to the switchports.
It will also act as a DHCP client and handle getting network config from your ISP (Virgin Media I assume if you are in Sheffield) - this includes IP address, DNS server details (which it passes down to your computers in their DHCP configuration.
An ADSL broadband router will also have an ADSL modem built in.
Both of them will act as a basic firewall, helping to keep nasties away from your computers.
Some have a more sophisticated firewall function that helps keep any nasties on your computers form escaping onto the Internet.
You can also get cable or ADSL routers with built in wireless capabilities, which means it does all the above plus handle the security aspects (if configured) of the wireless connection(s) it is supporting.
Much of this stuff you will most likely not need to be concerned with as with most installations it 'just works'.

If you are on Virgin Media's cable network (not the Virgin.net ADSL service over your phone line) then these routers are what you would be looking at (you don't have to buy from here, but this shows you some of what's available).
http://www.ebuyer.com/cat/Wired/subcat/Routers---Cable-DSL

On the other hand, if you are on ADSL (broadband over your phone line) then one of these would suit your needs.
http://www.ebuyer.com/cat/Wired/subcat/Routers---ADSL

If you want wireless, simply browse around that site (links on the left) but again make sure you buy the right type - cable or ADSL. NB: confusingly the cable type is also sometimes refered to as cable/DSL - do not confuse with ADSL.

I take it a router would mean going wireless? If so then that a bit over kill as the pc's will only be a few meters apart.

I would recommend this.

Internet Connection Sharing will allow you to use a USB Broadband modem on one computer...then you can hook up a 'cross-over' ethernet cable between the two, enabling both to get on line simultaneously.

It's what I use at short distances and only costs the few quid for the crossover cable. It's very easy too. The only drawback is that the gateway machine always has to be on to provide the net connection.

* I aint qouting all of that*


Cheer mate, that pretty much clears things up. So basically all i need is a router and 2 ethernet cables?

Bump.

So can someone please tell me if i've got this right.


internet
|
|
modem
|
|
router----------pc1
|
|
|
pc2

Yes that is it. I have 3 pcs and one wireless laptop on virgin with a d-link router.

So can someone please tell me if i've got this right.

Yes that's right, provided your modem has Ethernet connectivity.

You should be able to pick up a wired router for about 30 quid - just make sure you don't get an ADSL only router with built-in modem as this won't be any use.

Cheers guys. One day i'll learn how to drive computers properly.