Frustrated - Connecting 2 computers to internet

hemophobic

I have just ordered a laptop for when i start college in september, and was going to use to for doing coursework in my room. We already have a wireless router but my stepdad snapped of the aerial and said we are not allowed wireless becuase it damages our brains (i dont care if it does tbh, i just want internet). Without internet the laptop is no use, i cant use this computer because my brother is also starting 6th form so we need 2 computers for both of us to work on. Anyways! I don't have a phone socket in my room and wanted to know how much it would cost to get one, also if i did get one how would i conect my laptop to the internet from it? I have to use it in my room. Or my other option is to buy a new aerial and just secretly use wireless but they would find out. Help please!

Sorry if this doesnt make too much sense i hope it does though

davejr

The only way you could share internet would be to get a network cable and connect it to the back of the router, however you would probably need a long cable to reach your room and everyone would trip over it. I would try show your dad some evidence which shows that mobiles phones, standard house wiring, microwaves, wireless home phones give off more radiation than the 50 or so miliwatts of energy used by the wireless ... some people!

Shaun_d123

Why not try a homeplug adaptor which uses the mains power in your house as a network

An example is here at Maplin but shop around as you can probably get a better price.

I have a Devolo one and never had any problems
http://www.maplin.co.uk/family.aspx?menu=1669&doy=29m7&MenuName=Networking%20-%20Over%20The%20Mains

Marty_J

The easiest thing to do is to get your dad to stop wearing his tinfoil hat and let you use wireless.

The radiation that wifi uses is 100,000 times less intense than a microwave and "the Health Protection Agency has said that sitting in a wi-fi hotspot for a year results in receiving the same dose of radio waves as making a 20-minute mobile phone call":

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6676129.stm

hemophobic

Thanks for the replies, im not sure how the homeplug adaptor works, i think my best bet is to just convince him that wireless isn't dangerous - thanks for the link

evilgoose

As a guide in work we used to say that a new socket would cost about £120 + on going line charges and then in your case ISP costs.

I'm not sure on the performance you get from the homeplug system marty mentions, but it is growing in popularity.

CAT5 is very easy to run and can be neaty tacked to a wall to prevent tripping.

As to those who say wireless is perfectly safe - I say, "have a cigerette-makes you a man!!" -- Its amazing whats proved now to be unhealty.
His stepdad is doing what he thinks will help keep his family safe, which may or may not be missguided but is a valid point of view. Off me soap box!

Good luck with the college!

**Edit. Here's another link for powerline linking, http://www.netgear.com/Products/PowerlineNetworking.aspx?for=Home+Networking

Seems pretty good idea really, and its more secure than wireless!

d123

Marty_J wrote: »

The easiest thing to do is to get your dad to stop wearing his tinfoil hat and let you use wireless.

The radiation that wifi uses is 100,000 times less intense than a microwave and "the Health Protection Agency has said that sitting in a wi-fi hotspot for a year results in receiving the same dose of radio waves as making a 20-minute mobile phone call":

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6676129.stm

I agree with this, perhaps do a search and make a list (or print out) of all the stories showing wifi to be safe.

He is probably basing his opinion on the BBC Panorama program which even the BBC has since stated was baseless.
here is another link to start with
http://www.newswireless.net/index.cfm/article/3678

hemophobic

Thanks again, i checked out those homeplug adapters and they have really good reviews, i might get some. One other thing, i use AOL (lol) do i just install it on my laptop and then im able to connect in which ever way i choose?

spud17

One other thing, i use AOL (lol) do i just install it on my laptop and then im able to connect in which ever way i choose?

Please, you do not have to install any isp software to access the internet, especially aol.


From what I've seen, it's bloatware, also it gets you into using the isp's own variant of (usually) Internet explorer and their mail system which all make it appear extra hassle if you want to move isp.

Keep it simple, use Windows as it comes.

evilgoose

If you are using a router to share the connection to multiple PC's (which I guess you are based on the title!) then no, you dont need your ISP software. Check your ISP website and they'll usually provide the settings which you need to configure your PC/laptop with.

Normally its just a case of setting your gateway address to point to your router and DNS address's which your ISP provide on you PC.

hemophobic

Wow i didnt know i could do that, i'm so happy