I have an idiot computer question...

[mcctatas]

so my current house isn't hooked up for wireless internet (I will be relocating next week) but to stop the kids from fighting over who gets to use the internet is there anyway I can hook my laptop up so it shares the internet connection with tht desktop?

Thanks for any helpful info, witty remarks and even high quality snark that you care to offer :P

:hi:

[krispos42]

1. I've wondered this myself

Marking this thread for later reference.

[rcrush]

2. Buy a wireless router and you can set up your own network

and have all the computers in the house link to it.

[whistler162]

8. The best and easiest answer.

You can even limit the access of certain PC's to the Internet to days/times you want via the router.

[Pierre.Suave]

3. If you had macs

absolutely...

With a PC? I have no idea.

[mcctatas]

4. If I had macs I would be a much happier woman!

[flvegan]

5. What kind of connection do you have now?

I'm assuming you don't have a multiple port router. But, you've got a line from your wall either going directly to your desktop, or going into a router/modem which then goes to your desktop. Your cable is either coax, ethernet/network or phone. Depending on what you have will determine how you can get a set up for the week you need it.

[buzzycrumbhunger]

6. We've networked a house full of computers,

including a laptop and a *shudder* peecee (my workstation). My son had to tweak the settings for the crappy work computer, but platform doesn't seem to be an issue as far as networking, and a laptop is no different from any other computer.

With wireless, you just need to make sure you have a firewall so every goon on the block isn't sucking up your bandwidth. (My son has actually not had to pay for internet in two years because there are so many clueless people in his neighborhood.)

[leeroysphitz]

7. Yes go spend 10 bucks on an ethernet switch.

Just plug everything into it and you are done.

[whistler162]

10. No... a wireless or wired router

or if the OP wants to use the laptop as the router then a wireless network card.

A ethernet switch would be correct if you used the laptop as the router, intermediary between your network and the Internet.

Internet ---> Modem of somekind ---> Router(laptop/PC/Wired or Wireless Router) ---> Ethernet switch either built into the router or as an extra box ---> PC's/laptops connected to the switch.

The only way a ethernet switch would be proper is if you are paying for multiple I/P addresses from your Internet provider.

[LynneSin]

9. Answer - sell one of your kids on ebay

Think of the money you'll make off of it.

You can thank me anytime

:D