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This article (question) was written (answered) by Jerry Carson, in the "Ask the Expert" column. This article appeared in the December 1999 WYSIWYG newsletter. Home Network for a Common Internet Connection by Jerry Carson Q: Dear Ask The Expert, I have a cable modem, set up for one computer. Is there a way to use this computer as a server, and allow other computers to access the Internet through this "server" simultaneously? Also, can I still use this "server" as a regular computer? A: Dear Questioner, Yes, you can. In fact, this is exactly the set-up I use at home. The easiest way of doing this is to purchase a copy if SyGate software. It is about $35 for a 3-user license and is VERY easy to install and use. There are other packages and I believe that the latest version of Windows 98 has this capability built-in. I haven't found anything easier to use than SyGate. It allows all the users (up to the number licensed) to access the Internet at the same time. It runs as a background task, so it doesn't interfere with the normal use of your server. If you do not yet have a home network, you will need to install the appropriate hardware (Network Interface Cards (NICs), and a hub, and drivers to allow this all to work. Many locations offer a "Network in a Box" kit that gives you 2 NICs and a small hub, and all the wiring and drivers you need to network two computers. Additional computers each require their own NIC, and if you have more than 4 computers you may need a larger hub. Once your network is installed and running (this will enable your Network Neighborhood), you can install SyGate. I believe that SyGate is only available on the Web, at www.sygate.com. It comes with a 100 Mb limit before you have to register which is a little restrictive. Once you register, there is no limit. When I installed my network, all it did was "turn on" the Network Neighborhood so that I could "see" the other computers on my network. It did not "undo" my Internet connection, just added another connection. You can easily mix and match operating systems. I currently have Windows 95, 98 and NT, and occasionally I throw in a UNIX machine. I set up my network with an ADSL modem. It's about 4 times faster than a cable modem and a little more secure. Happy surfing, The Expert End of Article |
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