Two PC's - two modems or one

theonlywayisup

My current pc is being superceded but I would like to keep it up and running. It is currently connected to Orange broadband via a external USB speedtouch modem.

If I want the new PC on the same broadband account, what are my options? They are both in one room and I do have a spare identical modem.

Should I connect both modems and use one broadband account - could I use both at the same time and view different pages?

Should I connect the pcs together somehow - one is on XP one on Vista.

Should I go wifi? I have the orange livebox but wouldnt know where to start. Does this also give dual access on different pages of the net at the same time.

Crikey, that is a list, thanks for helping :T

cledor

Only 1 modem may be connected to the line, so your best bet is to connect the Orange Livebox. The easiest way is to connect both PC's to the Livebox using LAN cables.

theonlywayisup

Thanks, what do you mean by LAN cables, can I buy these online? Do they just plug in like USBs or do I need a separte plug in thing?

cledor

I believe you can use one usb port to connect to the livebox, and they should have supplied you with a network (LAN) cable, this is similar to a modem cable but has wider connectors. If you look at the back of the Livebox you will see what I mean, Your PCs should also have similar ports on the back.

theonlywayisup

Yes, there is a thicker cable with a square phone type connection on it. So, I just plug the two in then. Does this mean that each PC can go on the internet at the same time but on different pages?

cledor

Yes you should be able to access the web simultaneously from all connected PCs. Has your Livebox already been configured for your account and security settings, including wireless security? You can do that by opening the browser on 192.168.1.1 then enter "admin" for username and password if it is still on its factory setting.

cledor

In case you don't have the manual here is the link to the Orange Livebox website http://www.orange.co.uk/membercentre/livebox/landing/default.htm?linkfrom=hp4&link=box_left_pos_5_4_link_photo&article=070501extra0830liveboxtalkischeap

and
http://www.orange.co.uk/unique/livebox/index.htm

theonlywayisup

Thanks again (and again!). I have also found a square box with the Livebox which I think is a wireless transmitter(?) can I use this instead of the LAN, as it doesn't look very long! If I can, where do I stick it? In the new pc or the old one.

cledor

The wireless transmitter is integral within the Livebox, I don't know what the square box is, what does it say on it.

If you wish to use wireless then your PC's should also be fitted with a wireless adapter (this may be the square box?) to be able to access the wireless network. If this is a wireless adapter then it should be compatible with XP but not sure about Vista, as it might need a driver update.

theonlywayisup

It says Invental wireless magic. It is silver, 10cm x 7cm and about 1cm thick.

So where does this bit go?

espresso

theonlywayisup wrote: »

It says Invental wireless magic. It is silver, 10cm x 7cm and about 1cm thick.

So where does this bit go?

If both PC's are in the same room, you can simply cable them to the router as shown in the Livebox instructions. You won't then need this Inventel box.