How do I get my broadband connection to work on another computer?

stinky_onions

Hi
I Have my computer downstairs with the broadband internet connected to it.
I was wondering if it is possible to connect the kids computer upstairs, on to my connection as I am fed up with them using my computer all the time to go on the internet.
If it is possible could someone please let me know what I need to buy before I go shopping, as I hate feeling like an idiot in the computer shops
Thanks in advance.

devizes18193

get a wifi router for the downstairs pc and a wifi dongle for the 1 upstairs

stinky_onions

Thanks
Any idea how much all this is going to cost? and is it easy to install and use.

espresso

Do you not subscribe to Martin's weekly e-mail.
Perhaps you should.

devizes18193

that depends on where you buy it we brought our router from 3ebay if memory serves cost about £15 and the dongle i got from curry's last week cost about £20 there are threads on this board on tthe whole wifi bits and pieces I would read them 1st .
I fould the install easy enough but like most things it pays to read up. If your kids have either a psp or a nintendio ds they are both wifi compapable wich is a fringe bonus

skintlass

The guys in the computer shop should give you good advice without making you feel like an idiot - if this is not the case shop elsewhere. I agree with the solution posted above with the wifi router and dongle, the one thing to be aware of is that distance (and other things - thickness of walls etc) can interfere with wifi. I have a router in my living room but the signal fades after the study. You probably won't come up against this issue but I think it's always best to be informed.

JohalaReewi

stinky_onions wrote:

Thanks
Any idea how much all this is going to cost? and is it easy to install and use.

Installing WiFi is failry easy so is using but, you need to be aware of the security implications if you go wireless. It won't be just your upstairs computer that could use your wireless network. Also, radio signals are prone to interference so you could get connection problems.

If you can get a computer network cable from the upstairs PC to the downstairs PC, you have a couple more options:-

1) If your downstairs PC is running Windows XP, you can use Internet Connection Sharing to share your internet connection with the upstairs PC. All this needs is a network card in each PC (you probably have this already), a PC with a broadband connection, and a network cable to join the 2 PCs together. This is a super cheap solution but does mean the downstairs PC has to be on for the upstairs PC to use the broadband.

2) Use a wired router with built in ADSL modem. Again, each PC needs a network port. You plug the router/modem into the broadband and plug both PCs into the router/modem as well. Advantages over the wireless version are more reliable, faster, more secure.

Tallymanjohn

Which ISP are you with? Check on the company's website to see if they provide support for a particular brand of wireless router, then you know that if you get into difficulties they will be able to help.

Ideally the existing modem needs to have an ethernet connection rather than just USB - if it only has USB, this is a good opportunity to dispense with it & get a combined modem/router.

Setting up a secure wireless system is easy with modern kit - go for brands like Linksys & Netgear and you will receive an installation disk that will walk you through it. If you do get a wireless modem/router then as long as you have your username & password to hand the rest is fairly straight forward.

stinky_onions

Wow
Thanks everyone for all your replies,I will have a proper read through them now and see which is the best (cheapest) and easiest option
Ta.

GuessWho_2

Cheap? did i hear you say cheap?
But this isn't quite the cheapest of the options being suggested.

Assuming you don't want to sign your life away to some isp just to get a router, then...

I presume you're on a BT ADSL line and not cable?

Then, as said, a good way to go is to get a wifi ADSL modem router.
Make sure whatever you buy is a modem/router. If it just states router, then there may not be an ADSL modem included.

USB dongles (wifi attachment for USB) aren't highly rated by some, but they do work, i use some.

Just a suggestion to give you some idea of price:
This is a good price at the moment. ADSL modem router, complete with one USB adapter.

http://www.misco.co.uk/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=132926&

You can buy extra wifi adapters here
http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk/Shop/ShopDetail.asp?ProductID=1011

The router is very easy to set up. You may have to place the router for best wifi coverage, but if the other pc is just up one floor, then there shouldn't be too many problems.

Once you have got the wifi up and running, then be sure to activate the wifi security.
Best to use wpa-psk or similar (and use a nice long 'key' (password)), preferably random to prevent dictionary attack, but don't use wep encryption!

more info and routers here:-

http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk/default_ShopGroup.asp?ShopGroupID=38