using 2 computers from one USB adsl modem

Hi,
I would be greatful if someone could give me a bit of guidance in SIMPLE terms, I have recently bought a laptop and on the odd occassion I could do with connecting it to the internet, I have an ADSL modem with a USB connection to my desktop, so at the moment I unplug one and plug into the other, a bit of a pain. Is there a simple way of having a lead spare available near my desktop to plug into the laptop, or am being to simplistic any help would be appreciated as I have read one or two articles and am totally confused.
Thanks ChrisMB

 

you could always try a usb hub. a hub is basically a splitter (like a tv cable splitter, etc). although, i don't think you can use them both at once, but it should work. you'll probably have to buy 1 more usb cable (for your laptop), unless you have a spare.

http://shop4.outpost.com/{862ljuumU...8HJRzWZWw**.node3?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG <-- something like this

other than this you could always go wireless, but you might have to buy a router (what brand/model is your modem that your desktop connects to via usb cable?), and maybe a wireless adapter. does your laptop have a wireless adapter built in? let us know what you decide. - g/l, sos

 

easiest way is to get an isp that gives you a free router (which usually have a 4 port switch integrated). o2 broadband (nearly identical to "be there" broadband) have pretty good deals and are some of the best around for now.

the are 2 other ways that i know of.

1: you will need a crossover ethernet cable (cat 5 or cat 5e or even cat 6 with rj45 ends) or if you have a switch or a hub, you can use a straight through (patch lead). of course you also need to have ethernet network cards in both machines.

if you have the cables and necessary inputs then you can start. leave the modem connected to your pc and make sure you can access the internet. the pc will now be the default gateway for the laptop. on the pc, go to start --> connect to --> show all connections. right click on the connection you use to connect to the internet (it should say "connected" somewhere in the name) and click properties. click on the advanced tab and check all the boxes under "internet connection sharing" and click ok.

now right click on local area connection and click properties. you should be on the general tab now and under "connect using:" it should say something like "... ethernet adapter".

now, double click on internet protocol (tcp/ip). choose "use the following ip address" and enter
ip address: 192.168.0.1
subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
ok, ok, close

no go to start --> run and type "cmd". in the command prompt type "ipconfig /all" and note down the dns server address(es).

that's your work done on the pc.

on your laptop, go to ip address configuration (same as pc) and enter
ip address: 192.168.0.11
subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
default getaway: 192.168.0.1
preferred/alternate dns server: use the dns server(s) you noted down from your pc. click ok, ok, close.

you should be able to use the internet from both your pc and laptop simultaneously.

2: the second method is the automatic version of the above method. just search for "isc" or internet connection sharing in google and look through the guides. i recommend trying #1 first

with both methods you will need a crossover cable (if you are connecting the laptop directly to the pc) places like currys will charge you stupid money for a simple crossover cable. i think maplin have better prices but i'm not sure. if you pay more than £5 for a cat5/cat5e cable shorter than 10 metres then you probably overpaid.

edit: you also wouldn't need the modem driver installed on your laptop if you used the ethernet connection described above