sharing cable internet

I have three computers right now and i want to share cable internet with all of them. i have a hub right now, is that all i need.

i have windows xp.
one computer has windows ME
and the third has xp
thankz for the help

 

I would invest in a Router. That will allow you to share the internet without sacrificing any bandwidth during the split.

some good names are Netgear, D-Link, and Linksys.

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=33-122-008&depa=0

there is a nice one thats only $33 after mail in rebate

 

so if i have a fast ethernet switch from netgear i would still have to get a router. If i do is there any way to hook everything up so i can still use the hub or will it become useless

 

to my understanding, the only way to set it up with only a hub (or switch, i am not sure which you have), is to have 1 computer with two network cards, serving as a "host" computer. The modem would plug into that computer's first network card, and the second network card would plug into the hub/switch, along with the other 2 computers.

you could configure the host computer as a router, but the other two computers would not have internet if the host was turned off. the benefit of the router is that it acts as the host, the modem plugs striaght into it, and as long as it is on, all of the client computers have internet. It also provides additional security in that it is a hardware firewall.

 

sweet ya i will just purchase a router and keep the switch for lan parties or something
thanks for the help

 

Great idea! Routers also let you set NAT up which is more secure than setting it up on Windows, and im sure you know all the insecurities of a windows system on the net!

 

Link to: Basic Options for Internet Connection Sharing.

Link to: Hubs, routers, switches, DSL, LANs, WANs...?

Ignore the prices in the links bellow. The same or similar hardware can be found for 60%-90% less.

Link to: Diagram of Broadband Connection with Cable/DSL Router.


And it does not cost too much to be Cool.


Link to: What do I need for wireless Networking?