Question about DSL and multiple computers

[micki76]

I have a desktop and a laptop and I've just recently ordered DSL. I forgot to ask the Verizon person how it works with 2 computers that aren't networked together.

Do I need to do anything special? Do I need two DSL modems or is that what the filters are for?



Bryan!! Help!!

[popcornbird]

We have 4 computers and all have DSL connection. We have one DSL modem, and have a wireless network so every computer can use the DSL indivdually. You will need to make a network if you want to have all of the computers connected. Wireless is great..........sometimes I take the laptop out in the backyard and browse PT from there. No wires, out in the fresh breeze, on on fast DSL at the same time.

[micki76]

Uh, and I do that, how?

[Logan]

We have a cable modem and a "hub", much less technology "savvy" as a wireless network, but we do operate 3 computers off of the same modem. I suggest you talk to your provider about the the specifics.

[popcornbird]

You need to get an access point and put it in the center of the house. Then you need to get a wireless card or adapter for all of your computers. They get the signal from the access point. I believe you also need a hub, which connects to the DSL modem, which connects to the access point, but my brother does all the networking so I don't know EXACTLY how to set it up from scratch.

[micki76]

Ok, this is going to turn into a lot more than I expected.

Gonna have to call the computer guy and I hate that.

[CatDad]

This sounds difficult at first, but it really isn't.

Talk to your computer guy and if you need help with what he told you please send me a PM. I will see if I can help you with it.

[micki76]

Thanks Byan! I'm waiting to hear back from him.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Micki, wireless is actually quite simple and you should try it yourself before calling the computer guy.

What operating system are you running? If it's Windows 2000 or XP, the whole thing should be a piece of cake - plug and play. The hardest part will be putting the wireless card in the desktop - and that's actually a piece of cake too.

If you're thinking of going wireless, let me know and I'll give you more tips on what you need. However, you don't need to go wireless. I love it, and would recommend it, but it can be done with wires too.

Ok, with wires we'll deal with the desktop first. I'm assuming the DSL will come in through a line that is near your computer. You'll need a DSL modem which will plug into the phone line. Then you'll need a hub. A hub is just a small box that connects everything and routes everything where it should go. The DSL modem will plug into the wall and then into the hub. The line that goes from the modem to the hub, and then from the hub to each computer has to be a CAT 5 cable (I believe CAT 6 will work also). You can get these at any computer store or office store. Run the CAT 5 cable from the hub to the network card in your computer (hopefully you already have one of those). Read the directions on how to install the hub before you turn everything on though, because some of them want you to run the CD to install the software before you install the hardware. Once you run the software for the hub, you should be ready to go! You will have to set up a little network to connect to the hub, but the hub software should walk you through that.

Then, to do the laptop, I would really recommend wireless. Running CAT 5 cables to other rooms and such can get kind of expensive, both in cable costs and installation costs. So to get the laptop wireless, you set everything up just like above, except you use a wireless hub. Then you get a wireless card for your computer which will plug into the PMCIA slot. If you're running XP, once you plug the card in the computer, just wait a moment or two and the card will automatically detect the wireless network you set up by runnng the hub software on the desktop. Once it detects it, you should be good to go! The only thing is you might have to tell it to ignore the WEP. I don't remember the exact steps to do that right off the top of my head, but it's not hard and if and when you get to that point, let me know.

It's really not a hard thing, and if you're even remotely computer savvy you should be able to do it. I might be leery of mentioning the two computers to the DSL guy because they might charge you more to have two computers hooked up when they really shouldn't. You could ask him about it and if he gives you any grief just tell him never mind, you won't hook them both in and leave it at that.

Hope this helps and let me know if you have any more questions.

[micki76]

That sounds complicated to me!

I forgot to mention that when I bought the laptop, it came with wireless capabilities. Does that make a difference? I can’t remember what it was called, but I paid extra for it.

See, I’m not really computer savvy.

[popcornbird]

If your laptop already has a bulit-in wireless card, then you shouldn't need to buy a card for it. It depends what you mean by it having wireless built in though. That might mean it comes with a slot for a wireless card, or it could mean it has an internal wireless system, in which case it should be all set when you get an access point and router. I recommend wireless for the desktops too, because we used to have wires, and the house looked bad with blue wires going everywhere.

Its not as complicated as it sounds. Its pretty easy. You'll figure it out.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Micki, that makes it even easier! Do all the steps I mentioned for hooking the DSL to your desktop and make sure to get a wireless hub. Once you get your desktop up and running and working fine (following the instructions to install the hub), all you should have to do is turn your laptop on. It should automatically detect the network for you.

Really, it's easy. Trust me.

[micki76]

Ok, good. Should I assume that the people at Best Buy or Circuit City will know what I mean and what I need?

Should I take the laptop with me?

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Yes, the people at Best Buy should know and they will probably have better pricing than Circuit City (in my experience anyway). Taking your laptop can't hurt. Let us know what they tell you and what you end up with.

[micki76]

Thank you so much! I appreciate everyone's help!

*chants*
I can do it
I can do it
I can do it!