Home network question-- internal or external modem?

Factual Questions
1

I’ve searched this board high and low, backwards and forwards and side to side, and I can’t for the life of me find an answer to this question. I’ve seen everything else on the topic, but not this specific, but almost general, question addressed (Of course, my searching ability may simply suck, but I think it’s thorough).

Here we go–

Hardware Setup-
One computer-- the main one, as I’d refer to it-- running both XP and Win 98SE. Second computer-- almost a practice computer, or something to screw around with and play with-- also running Win 98SE.

Internet Connection-

Currently a dynamic DSL connection that will soon be static IP address (They say it’ll happen in the next week or so, but who the hell knows).

The main computer currently has an internal DSL modem/NIC and it works super! Ok, let’s just say it works more than it doesn’t, which I suppose is super considering the horror stories out there.
The Problem–

I’d like to network the two computers together and give them the ability to access the net (Obviously, I want the main comp. to access the net the fastest).

But the problem seems to be that damn internal modem. Every thread I’ve looked at (I went back a year in both GC and IMHO) doesn’t talk about the specifics of what the person is using for a modem.

The way I see it, I have two options.

Option One- I could keep the internal modem in the ‘main’ computer, and by added a NIC card to both the main and secondary computer, be able to connect the two together.

Now, the problem with this would be speed. Or, from what I’ve read at DSL Reports, the problem is speed. But for which computer? I’d assume it’d only affect the secondary comp, right? The first would still be the same speed as before, too, right?

Finally, if I’ve read things right, I’d need to make the main computer the server computer-- somehow-- and the other computer the secondary one.

True?

Option Two- I could, and actually have already started the process rolling, scrap the damn internal modem and get an external modem from my ISP/Telco. Then I’d need, say, a Linksys 4 point hub etc., two NICS, and some simple software off the net and get the best for both computers, right?

I assume that’s right, from looking at all the other threads on this topic, but is that what everyone else has done out there that’s asked these networking question, bought the external modem and the linksys deal?

Man that’s expensive!!

Had I not gotten a deal on the hardware stuff so far (I only placed the order last night) I’d be looking at spending four hundred bucks on this second option setup ($295.00 for the ISP/Telco modem, and $100.00 for the Linksys), but as it is, I got a fairly good deal and it’d cost about two hundred bucks all told.

But… but… is this even worth it?

What am I really gaining by adding this external modem, router hook-up and other stuff? Added speed on the secondary, somewhat crappy, stand-by computer?

Now, I have to add that I’m currently seeking computer skills etc. and am going through the whole certification process so it’d be handy to have hands on experience, but sheesh!!

So, what I’m kinda of seeking here is this-

Do I have the fundamentals right? Am I way off on some of those options above, or are do they sound close?

What would you do? The two hundred won’t kill me, but, you know.

Finally, and completely out of left field, as I’m reading through those threads, I keep hearing about how much of a bitch hardware firewalls are, i.e., file sharing across the net and online games and whatnot are a pain to set up. Is that true? Is it something I’d for sure need since I’d be going to a static IP as opposed to the dynamic?

Or could I just turn it off and deal with the very tried and trued Zone Alarm?

That’s it. -smile-

Thanks, as always.

2

Right? Right! Right!?!
People have been saying I’m acting more conservative lately… It appears to be coming out in my thoughts.

3

Ummmmm. Second option, hopefully with a Linksys router instead of just a hub to make it way easier. This thing. Did you get a hub or a router? With just a hub you can still do it relatively easy by getting a second IP for the second computer. Otherwise you have to do the fiddling around stuff to get the second computer to share the internet connection. So, did you get a hub or a router?

4

I got the router… that exact model, in fact.

I initially order the hub and then realized my screw-up. I sent the correction in and all should be fine.

Apparently, and obviously, those are words I confuse easily, but shouldn’t.

But, yes indeed, I got the router.

5

Since you got the router setting up your network will be as easy as eating a whole pizza, errrr I mean easy as falling off a log. Each computer will easily access the net and you can also share files between them. You probably don’t want to actually share files arcross the net but if you just mean between each computer you can do so easily and safely.Since your going through the certification process I suppose I’ll leave more specifics to your courses.

6

Hey, I’m just starting!!

By the time I finish school this equipment I just bought will be outdated. Whatever I get now will help, believe me.

Besides, you want to make me look good on the first day of class, right? I wanna walk in there and make everyone else nervous.

A quick follow-up- What I meant by file sharing is that I use file swapping applications that I’ve heard can cause problems with a hardware based firewalls.

I don’t know if that’s true or not.

7

Forgot…there are some basic answers on the Linksys site regarding gaming/ICQ. Facts. I’m sure the DMZ setting will overcome the file sharing program difficulties as well.

8

Since I’m just waiting for my pizza dough to rise I figured I’d pop back and let you know the user guide has some good info in it as well. Check it out and get yourself all hyper about your new purchase. Pages 15-18 will give you a quick overview of IP address,LAN vs WAN, and setting up the product.

9

Thanks gut, I’ve enjoyed this chat.

I guess, after all, my searching ability truly does suck- I should have found that on my own.

I appreciate the re-direction.

10

Glad to help out, it was fun. I really like that product and have recommended it to lots of folks. I don’t actually own one but I have set up seven or eight of them. Good luck in your studies CnoteChris.

11

And good luck on that pizza, gut.

So, ahh, now what do we do?

I feel like we’re supposed to be buddies or something.

Hmmm. Whatch any good games Sunday? How 'bout those Irish!?!

Thanks again.

12

You do realize that you’re friends with an idiot, don’t you?

Whatch- should equal- watch.

13

heheh, the pizza was excellent. Didn’t even manage to eat half of it though, I’ve been pigging out all night on junk food. It’s the weekend, that’s what I do. Eat and sit and sit and eat and then I eat and sit some more. I don’t watch sports but I rented a couple movies, 15 Minutes and What Lies Beneath. Right now Unforgiven is on the tube. I pretty much just camp out in front of the computer and flick through the channels on the tube at the same time.

Check back into the thread after you get your shiny new router fired up. I’d like to know it worked out for you.

14

So, I gotta ask, what kind of pizza did you almost finish?
I mean, this place is pretty dead tonight, why not?

15

Just don’t make the same stupid setup mistake I did in switching over from a single NIC cable connection to a router-hub connection. I’m sure you won’t but just in case…it’s about halfway through the thread below.

http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=84133

16

It’s a salami and peperoni pizza. I’m now having some for breakfast. I use some multigrain flour along with boring old white flour when I make the dough. It’s yummy.

astro that is a funny story. I have a similar one but it didn’t quite take me as long to figure out. After running up and down the stairs of a house from the pc to the modem/router for about an hour I finally discovered a faulty network cable. DUH !!! I won’t be making that mistake any time soon. I hate stairs!

17

Hmmmmm. How about one of those USB network boxes? Just plug one into each computer’s USB port & voila! A network. Right?

18

You know, that’s actually a good point, handy. I suppose that could be option three. Since my order will be processed today, however, I need to know quick if it’s a viable and sound option, otherwise, or if I don’t hear differently, I’ll let the order stand.

astro-

I’d actually had that thread up as I typed up this thread. The thing is I hadn’t gotten to that point before submitting this one.

In a way, I’m not sure I understand how you screwed up, but I’ll wait for it to show up and maybe then it’ll be more clear.

Gut-

You hate stairs but like salami and pepperoni pizza’s while you lay motionless for hours on the couch… why do I always read more into these user names that what actually may be the simple truth?

19

Yep the simple truth is I’m just fat and lazy. Here is the origin of my handle. I keep promising myself the battle back to fitness will start again soon but so far the couch and the pizza are winning.

I have zero experience with the USB network box handy is refering to so I can’t comment on it.