Number 201 - February 2000
Link Your Computers and Share Online Access
from Ask Gina (Smith), Access Magazine, 5 Dec 1999
    Q. How can I connect two Windows 98 computers so that they can share one Internet connection? I heard it was possible.
      Bruce Tanner, Tampa Fla.

    A. It is possible. If you're using Windows 98 Second Edition (SE) it's fairly easy.

    The first thing you need to do is connect the two computers so they can share the same modem and Internet account.1 The easiest way to do that is to use a Direct Cable Connection (DCC) cable. That's a wire you connect to the back of each computer using the serial or parallel ports2, the standard connectors you find at the back of all PCs3. You can buy a DCC cable at your local computer store for just a few dollars.

    A faster way to connect the two computers is by using a peer-to-peer networking kit along the lines of Artisoft's LANtastic 8.0 networking product ($249; artisoft.com). The kit includes two network interface cards (NICs), which you install inside each PC, a cable to link them, plus the software to set everything up.

    Either way, once you've connected the computers, all you have to do is set up Internet Connection Sharing. To do that, open Add/Remove Programs (in the Control Panel) and select the Windows Setup tab. Click Internet Tools, then Details, and check the Internet Connection Sharing box.
    One good source of information on how to set that up: www.timhiggins.com, a web site geared toward home office users.


TOGGLE Editor's Notes:

    1 You would be wise to check with your Internet Service Provider (ISP), whether or not the second computer using the service requires a separate IP address and whether there is an additional monthly charge for it. Otherwise you may have your service cancelled for violation of the contract. The AT&T Cable systems charge about $40 per month, plus taxes, for the primary installation and ISP service and an $4.95 per month for an additional computer IP from the same site using the same Internet connection. My sons, sharing a house, each connect through their USB ports to a Hub connected to the Internet by Cable "modem".

    2 The serial and, to a lesser extent, the parallel ports are limited in their throughput capacity. If you can find cables and software that use the USB ports you should achieve greater throughput.

    3 Most modern-day PCs come equiped with at least 2 USB ports which can be Daisy-chained to add more.
 
  Number 201 - February 2000