Adding 2 computers and wanting my computer to control both, how do I do this?

I don't think there is a way to set up your network so that you can 'control' the other computers from your computer. However, if your network is set up with you as the administrator for all 3 computers you can have control over file sharing. Others may know more about this. A router will provide protection from incoming attacks for all 3 computers. Add a software firewall to all 3 computers for additional protection. Turn off the Windows firewall. Here is a helpful tutorial for setting up a home network:

http://www.homenethelp.com/web/howto/net.asp

What I would do would be to set them up with limited user accounts with access to the type of security level within Internet Explorer you desire.  This means they would have absolutely no Admin rights and can can stop them from downloading anything at all.

They still need to be separate nodes on your LAN.

I have a D-Link router that has parential control filtering options that you are supposed to be able to select what services you allow PCs on the LAN to use.  It even has options to select them during certain time periods.  I haven't tied it (my kids are group now).

You can go to dlink.com and read the user's manual for one of their routers like DI-604.

Charlye

You could run ICS (Internet connection sharing) on your computer. This would allow for your kids to access the internet through your computer. However i am unsure if there is a way to limit the content they view when setting it up this way. As for virus protection, if your computers are networked in anyway it is likely that you will get a virus anyhow.

Message Edited by gavtodd on 01-03-2004 11:05 PM

A router is your best solution, not Intenet Connection Sharing!  If all computers are running antivirus software, then it is not likely that they will get a virus!

Steve

Experience....

I have both a router and ICS running in my household. If you actually use the windows networking setup wizard it warns you this is an unsafe method of sharing files and connecting to the internet.

Well, I have a router, access point, 2003 server, and 5 machines running XP Pro and none of them are even close to being hacked with both NAT running and Software firewalls running to prevent any unwanted out going packets.  Unless you compeltly miss miss the workings of NAT, you would know that nothing can get thru a firewall wtihout permissions from the inside.

gavtodd,

You better quit this entire discussion.  It is clear that you don't know what you are talking about.

Steve

Message Edited by volcano11 on 01-03-2004 11:05 PM

Lets talk simplicity though...

When using ICS you turn your computer off, other computers get booted off the web.

It also allows for you to have one firwall that protects all computers on the network. I realize hubs can do this however cheaper ones do not.

I have found it is an extremely effective method of sharing an internet connection. It also allows for the host computer to hog bandwidth if you need it.

Message Edited by gavtodd on 01-03-2004 11:09 PM

I think thats an unfair statement.

I am only trying to offer my opinion that ICS is a fair method of sharing an internet connection. It is also an easy effective method of sharing an internet connection while maintaining control.

Message Edited by gavtodd on 01-03-2004 11:12 PM

If he wanted to have control over his children's internet it would allow him to have control. ICS does require two computers to be on in order for the web to be shared. If he were to turn his computer off his children no longer have internet access. Giving him the ability to to turn the internet on or off. It is also possible to click 3 buttons on your computer to stop sharing which also gives control.

A router with parental control and a firewall built in is a much more expensive method of a safe network then a simple $20 router with one computer using a software firewall and controlling the internet from it.

I had only suggested ICS as a method of sharing internet there is no need to further this conversation.

Is there any way to have the DSL run to my computer and then back out to a router and from the router to the other two computers?

The router would portect me from any bad downloads the other two computers get do to its Firewall, right?