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2 pc's on same broadband

wazza
wazza Posts: 2,595 Forumite
1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
in Techie Stuff
Hi, my pc is on NTL broadband. I wish to use a second pc on the same broadband. Only one pc will be used at any time. Is it as easy as installing NTL broadband software on the second pc and disconnect the modem, via usb, from my pc and connect it to the second pc when it is to be used by the children?

i assume if both pc's are to be used at the same time then a router is needed. since only one pc is to be used do i need a router?

thanks in advance
Problem with having access to internet is that i get asked by many to solve their problems :( Well at least i learn something on the way :D
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Comments

  • Godders
    Godders Posts: 2,913 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    wazza wrote:
    Hi, my pc is on NTL broadband. I wish to use a second pc on the same broadband. Only one pc will be used at any time. Is it as easy as installing NTL broadband software on the second pc and disconnect the modem, via usb, from my pc and connect it to the second pc when it is to be used by the children?

    i assume if both pc's are to be used at the same time then a router is needed. since only one pc is to be used do i need a router?

    thanks in advance

    Yes it should be that easy, and yes - to use both at the same time you will need a router. To use one at a time you don't need the router ;)

    Although I will mention that using a router gives a certain degree of protection against internet nasties! :cool:
  • wazza
    wazza Posts: 2,595 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Godders wrote:
    Yes it should be that easy, and yes - to use both at the same time you will need a router. To use one at a time you don't need the router ;)

    Although I will mention that using a router gives a certain degree of protection against internet nasties! :cool:

    am i right in saying that if both pc are up to date with its virus packages and firewall then there will be no difference in protection compared to having a router.

    have zonealarm, avg, adaware, spybot installed
    Problem with having access to internet is that i get asked by many to solve their problems :( Well at least i learn something on the way :D
  • albertross_2
    albertross_2 Posts: 8,932 Forumite
    A router does give you added protection.

    The software firewall is good, but viruses and malware can kill a process, including your software firewall.

    Also, if you have any open configuration (file and print sharing) on the PC, then the router will block that from the outside world.

    Well worth £20-40 imo. It also means you can have them on at the same time, and means you wont have to keep unplugging stuff.
    Ever get the feeling you are wasting your time? :rolleyes:
  • amcluesent
    amcluesent Posts: 9,425 Forumite
    >Well worth £20-40<

    Definitely. Apart from sparing you the hassle of kicking the kids off when you want to go on-line, a router will also block the non-stop scanning for vulnerabilities that a directly connected PC gets. And remember, patches to Windows come out only after a vulnerability has been exploited!
  • Chippy_Minton
    Chippy_Minton Posts: 3,339 Forumite
    It will be far, far easier with a router for the reasons other posters have mentioned and also because the NTL modem is configured to recognise only one PC (by its MAC address). See Swapping computers on the cable modem, part of a very comprehensive and useful site about cable modems.
  • The_One_2
    The_One_2 Posts: 355 Forumite
    I'm on NTL broadband, and have 2 computers in rooms which are next to each other, so i've just got a direct cable connection between the 2 computer (through a little hole in the wall) and it works a treat.
    plus the cable only cost me a few pounds, which i found cheapest.
    The only downside i have...is that PC1 (which is directly connected the the ntl modem) has to be on for PC2 to access the internet. I can also transfer files between both computers as well
  • Chippy_Minton
    Chippy_Minton Posts: 3,339 Forumite
    In that case you are using Internet Connection Sharing and PC1 is acting as the router.
  • The_One_2
    The_One_2 Posts: 355 Forumite
    Chippy_Minton wrote:
    In that case you are using Internet Connection Sharing and PC1 is acting as the router.
    yeah something like that :confused: not too sure of the technical side. but it does the job very well and was sooo cheap i'd definetly recommend it as an option if the 2 pc's are close by
  • Fifer
    Fifer Posts: 59,413 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    One thing to bear in mind is that for simultaneous sharing, you will probably need a cable modem/router and not just a router as your modem is a USB device and although some routers have USB ports, few are USB hosts. I suspect most routers would need a modem with an Ethernet port.
    There's love in this world for everyone. Every rascal and son of a gun.
    It's for the many and not the few. Be sure it's out there looking for you.
    In every town, in every state. In every house and every gate.
    Wth every precious smile you make. And every act of kindness.
    Micheal Marra, 1952 - 2012
  • dickibobboy
    dickibobboy Posts: 1,058 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Combo Breaker
    take a look at post four, the question is on the same lines and i have told him what he needs to do, http://forum.technicalchat.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=62
    Things that are free in life are great, well most of the time :beer:
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