Guys-

ANY help would be appreciated..I have a basement PC hooked up to SBC/DSL--and want to include two upstairs computers on that account--without using wireless cards..I have heard a THOUSAND different conflicting stories how to do this..Can someone PLEASE explain it clearly?
Thanks

Hi Bob
I'm Going to do something similar with 2 computers in the near future (maybe 3?)
I agree There are lots of Ways to Do it Lots of right and Wrong ways
So even I am going to be feeling my way about Semi blindly if I go ahead and upgrade to a Network
Shopping list : You'll need a Router (an ordinary DSL modem can only carry 1 channel) Price is about the same as as the Modem
Ethernet cards (cheap) These are needed to make the Network link on the Conputers
Network cables (prices vary wildly) But can get them for $3-4 each (rough guess)

As for the connection method it's very much trial & error if you are working from scratch
I post on another Site which does have a forum section (where I don't post to) on this Subject . It's not an easy thing to explain in several postings ,and any of my "advice" is shakey at best
PS A Keyword search for "Local Area Network"
Will bring up countless sites on the subject About 16 Million on Google alone

Suggest you start your search in the Wikipedia and Webopedia.com links (first links on the search above)

Electrical system / Phone line connections:

"All phone line network equipment must be connected to the same electrical line within the residence. Specifically, residences that have two phone lines installed, must choose one or the other to connect all devices." This is from this page: Click Here

The main page of the site linked above may be very useful to you. Here is main page link: Click Here

I'm assuming that putting in a direct line cable connection between the computers is not practical at your home. And given the choice between wireless or the phone line/electrical connection, you prefer the phone line/electrical.

My feeling is that if you can avoid wireless, that is the best. Wireless will get better as time goes on, but right now I find it troublesome. It seems there is always some interference problems that are very difficult to solve.

I hope something here will help!

Dwight