Connecting two computer to DSL modem

Question

Is this possible? and if so can someone please explain what is needed and how to do it in lamen terms for me?? I am about to buy a new laptop and I really don't want to have to buy another DSL modem. Thanks in advance Savannah

AlmaAR · Answer

HI, thank you for your quick reply, i wasn't planning on buying a dell, it's just a cheapr model computer for my daughter. How do i tell if my computer is connected to the DSL by ethernet cable or usb?? my ex hooked it all up for me..

AlmaAR · Answer

Okay well it looks like they are both on the back of my DSL-I am so sorry i am computer illiterate...Also i found a laptop that says it has a built in wireless LAN..Is that what i need?

volcano11 · Answer

A USB connection is rectangular metal plug.  An ethernet connection looks like a larger version of a telephone plug.   Steve

volcano11 · Answer

Assuming that your dsl modem can connect by ethernet, all you will need is a router. If you are buying a Dell laptop, it will come with an ethernet adapter. You will then connect the router to the dsl modem by one ethernet cable, connect your existing computer to the router with another ethernet cable, and connect you laptop to the router with another ethernet cable. If you want your new laptop to connect wirelessly so you can move about the house, then you will need to order it with a wireless network adapter and you will need a wireless router. Wireless routers have 4 ethernet ports, so you will still connect the existing computer to the router by ethernet.

If you dsl modem only can connect by USB, then you will need a new modem, as it is impossible to find a router that can connect to a modem by USB.

Steve

volcano11 · Answer

It sounds like your dsl modem can connect with either USB or ethernet.   That's good.  If you get a laptop with a wireless LAN ((local area network), it means that it has a wireless network adapter.  Then all you will need is a wireless router (Linksys, Netgear, D-Link, and Belkin models work well).   Steve

AlmaAR · Answer

Alright awesome, so that means i can connect both computers to the Router then? You have been a major help!

jmwills · Answer

Here are some reference materials in addition to the discussions point Steve gave you:

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/howto/
http://www.theeldergeek.com/quick_guide_to_simple_file_sharing.htm
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/default.mspx

http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Security.html

On any computer running Windows XP with SP1, disable the Windows XP firewall. It will not allow File and Printer Sharing. On computers running Windows XP with SP2, make sure that the Windows XP firewall has File and Printer Sharing checked off on the Exceptions tab. If you are running any third party firewalls, like those provided by such programs as Zone Alarm, Norton Internet Security, or McAfee Security Suite, make sure they are configured to allow local network traffic

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Connecting two computer to DSL modem

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