Newbie - Router Question :)

[scabbo]

To router or not to router that is the question?


Here is the deal -

I want to connet two computers:

Conputer A.
Athlon 600
Win 98se
Cable Modem internet access

Computer B
K2 450
Win 98se
Currently dial up Internet access

I have already bought 2 Phoneline pci cards- $19.95 (althought I may decide to set up one thru USB - because its now available)

The main use for both computers is really online browsing - no online gaming or heavy online apps. I want to setup Computer A as the "server pc" and utilize win98 Internet connection sharing.

So my question is - do I really need a router? If so why and is it worth spending $250? When my network so far is costing me $40?


Thanks alot everyone in advance!

[Vesuvius]

For simple browsing I am pretty sure you can set up your "server" computer with 2 lan cards the "b" computer with 1. You then run cable from the modem to the server computer then run a cable from the "b" computer to the server computer. Then configure internet connection sharing and you're up and running. It may not be the fastest or best way but it saves you the money on a router if your only web browsing.

[Maliy]

I use to have the same setup; one computer as the server providing internet for others throught ICS. When i got the router I really felt the difference. The price is great you can get the router i have for a little over $50.

http://www.homenethelp.com/rebates/showdeal.asp?item=17

[YeOldeStonecat]

I agree with a router. You get basic hardware firewall protection through its NAT. You get an always on connection. You don't need one computer booted up and running for the other to be able to surf (totally independent). And they are, in my opinion, much faster.

For basic use, the Linksys Etherfast routers are quite good, very easy to use/setup, and their firmware has gotten pretty decent. The NetGear routers are a bit faster, in my opinion, more stable, a few less features than the Linksys, harder to configure more advanced features. Those are the only two basic home market routers I like.

[Rainbow]

My opinion if your on a budget forget the router. Those 2 machines will connect nicely using a crossover cable and ICS. Just make sure you get a software firewall such as zone alarm..which costs a fraction of the router. The only catch is the main computer must be online to use the other computer. Which if its any normal house they always are anyway ;)

Rainbow

[Vesuvius]

Actually for basic 'ol internet security Zone Alarm personal firewall is completley free, As well as Sygate's personal firewall. They don't offer you as many options for your security but the basic "rookie" hacker attacks are still stopped. IF you plan on keeping any sensitive information on your computers (which I wouldn't recomend even on the most secure of systems) then I would invest in the "pro" versions of either of those firewalls, but after purchasing 2 copies of that you're back to enough money to purchase a decent router with a superior hardware firewall.

[Augusto]

-Sure , just need to install a proxy.

[kmcodyntn]

Originally posted by YeOldeStonecat
I agree with a router. You get basic hardware firewall protection through its NAT. You get an always on connection. You don't need one computer booted up and running for the other to be able to surf (totally independent). And they are, in my opinion, much faster.

For basic use, the Linksys Etherfast routers are quite good, very easy to use/setup, and their firmware has gotten pretty decent. The NetGear routers are a bit faster, in my opinion, more stable, a few less features than the Linksys, harder to configure more advanced features. Those are the only two basic home market routers I like.


Off the topic, this is for yeoldestonecat:
Just bought 2 g-7dxr mobo's with raid built in and have a few questions?
1 is going to be setup in a bussiness network and Im going to set it up to raid-1.
1 will be setup as raid-0 for home gaming.
Both have dual maxtor 60g HDD's.

Question is: do both hdd's have to be setup on the same channel and setup as master and slave? or can they be setup on sep. raid channels as single device?

Sorry for going off topic but I saw the raid-0 in your sig. and thought I would ask......
If you know of any good sites for setting up raid e mail them to me.......Thanks in advance.....

KC..........

[YeOldeStonecat]

Originally posted by kmcodyntn



Question is: do both hdd's have to be setup on the same channel and setup as master and slave? or can they be setup on sep. raid channels as single device?
KC..........

I prefer the latter....each on it's own channel, as cable select.

Good sites for setting up RAID? Hmmm, never really came across any. Perhaps hit the websites of your mobo's RAID controller, Promise or Adaptecs website.

Basically, RAID arrays are set on the hardware level, with a BIOS configuration utility. Once you have it set, you treat that RAID array as one single hard drive....run your FDISK and format, install the OS from there, treating it as one single hard drive.