Two computers both running windows XP.

What is the "easiest" way to connect them together to share the same broadband connection? And to scoot files between them (without using CD/RW disks)

Lets call it Networking for Idiots, er, dummies. Pretend I don't know more than point and click.

Determine which computer will be the "home" computer. On that machine:

Use the Network Setup wizard built right into Windows.

Click:

Start --> All Programs

Accessories

Communications --> Network Setup Wizard

Determine how you will physically (or wirelessly) connect the systems.

Follow the Setup checklist. Any hardware component that you don't already have you can purchase at a computer store.

Dwight

I said Networking for idiots didn't I?



Ok it says this:
The computer that is connected to a residential gateway (or the Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) host computer) typically uses an Ethernet network adapter if you have an external DSL or cable modem. If you have an internal modem, or an external 28.8 or 56 kilobits per second (Kbps) modem, you only need one network adapter.

Huh?

Reading through we are talking about words like Ethernet, HPNA and ISDN.

I do not know what a ICS Host Computer is.

I do know that we have one computer hooked up to broadband through a cable that is a wider variation of a phone jack to a tiny box that is hooked into the coaxial cable.

We have one printer. It has a different cord, not the wire like the monitor to the tower, but a metal end thingy..... I don't know what either is called.

Along the list of "to do before setting up" it tells me to plug in cables into hubs, phone jacks and the computer.

and

Make a list of the hardware that you need to buy, this includes modems, network adapters, hubs and cables.

Now I make lists all the time and have no problem with making a list, however I still (after reading through that) have no clue what I need to hook up. So I was hoping there was a place I could go to to learn the very basics which explains and shows pictures of cables and stuff so I know what I am working with here.

You know, Networking for idiots.

A quick translation for you....

ICS = Internet Connection Sharing, a built-in feature of Windows. It uses the computer connected to broadband (the ICS Host) to provide connectivity to another PC (the ICS guest) directly connected to it. It only works when both machines are on.

'Ethernet' is the type of cable that is currently being used to connect your modem to your PC. This connection method is generally preferred for reliability and speed (100Mbps). Chances are that you are using your only Ethernet port for the cable modem (broadband).

You probably won't be be using HPNA (Home Phoneline Networking) or ISDN (128k dialup) to connect your machines.

There are a few different connection types depending on what you have available...

I tried to keep some of the language simple, let me know if I left some in geek-speak. When I refer to a 'router', I mean a device which can intelligently direct traffic between connected devices. (Simplest definition I have)

* Wireless (a.k.a. 802.11a/b/g, wifi)

If one or more of your computers is a laptop with wifi built-in, this is probably the BEST method. It will allow you to use the internet just about anywhere in your home. This method requires some patience to set up. What you need is a wireless router, which runs about $50. If you have a desktop you wish to connect, you can connect it to the router via Ethernet cable (cheapest^^) or wireless adapter (no wires!).

* Wired Ethernet, using the modem as a router

Your existing modem may be capable of acting as a standalone router. Just hook the cable modem to a ethernet hub or switch. (Think of it like an intelligent splitter) Then buy two ethernet patch cables^^ and use them to connect to your two computers. No configuration should be needed.

* Wired Ethernet via ICS

For about $40 you can get a USB-Ethernet adapter that connects to an available USB port. (Saves you from cracking open the case) Then connect a ethernet crossover able between the two computers and run the Network Setup Wizard.

* Wired Ethernet via a router

For about $50 you can get an ethernet router. This will give a wired network capable of future expansion. (the ICS ethernet method only supports 2 PCs) It'll take a little work to configure, but once its set up, its rock-solid. Most routers also act as a good hardware firewall. This is the method I usually use to network desktops.

* Firewire

If by chance both machines have firewire (IEEE 1394), just buy a firewire cable and connect the two PCs. You'll be able to shuttle files around at a speedy 400Mbps (about 80x the speed of your broadband connection), and share internet access via the Network Setup Wizard (ICS). This isn't a traditional means of networking, but it can work. This option is only if you already have firewire, otherwise, use an Ethernet or Wireless method.

* Call the Cable company!

This is probably the easiest way to get hooked up. Chances are your broadband provider offers some sort of network setup service. They will charge you extra for equipment and labor, but you won't have to life a finger to have a working network. (I know Bellsouth likes setting up HomePNA (12mbps), not sure what cable companies use)

^^ Note: Stores like Best Buy/Circuit City severely overcharge for cabling. The other day I found some ethernet cable at a Dollar Tree, for $1. In most cases, gold plating = snake oil, don't let the salesman sell you a $25 cable. (Radioshack usually has reasonably-priced cable and competent staff to match)

Hope this was helpful, and not too confusing!

Well yeah its still confusing

BUT (and its a big one) not as confusing as the set up "program" that comes with XP (Now that is confusing).

You did arm me with some information, now it time to take into consideration how much this will cost (to do it ourselves) and how much it will cost to have the cable man come over and do it.

Its two PC's so we will stick with hardwire for the connections. Although wireless sounds pretty we do live in a place surrounded by aluminum - really fracks up the reception on everything.

I went to Walmart & bought a 4 plug wired ethernet router for $30. Because I already had cable tv thru my phone co., they came & set it up for me for only the cost of the line between the router & the 2 desktop computers. Only took about 10 min. No extra installation fees. Plus, they knock of $15/month because I have my phone/cable & DSL package w/them - my total monthly bill w/out long distance phone charge is $100 (includes a $4/month fee for 1 additional set top cable box for 1 other tv).
I prefer wired over wireless as wired has a built-in firewall so there's less risk of someone being able to mooch off my DSL signal.

I think if you have a router, you don't need the internet sharing. You just set the network using Windows xp. If both computers have WinXP it is easier, otherwise you have to run the network setup on the one without WinXP.
If you have Norton Internet Security or other security systems you will have to tell it on each machine to let the IP address in so the computers can talk to each other. Each computer will connect to the internet individually. The computer with the printer has to be on for the other network computer to print to it.
It can be a bit more complicated sometimes.