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I have one RR line coming into the house, and five computers networked together running win me (3) and win98se (2). How should I set this up so eveyone uses the rr and doesnt get shut out when someone has to reboot, I can use one system as a server if I need to? any suggestions would be helpful. But I would like to be able to FTP any system on the network, or PC anywhere them...Mahalo Nui Loa! <IMG SRC="smilies/cool.gif" border="0">
You can certainly connect all five computers, depending on how you have them connected. The only stipulation is that ICS can only NAT to one NIC. What this means is that the line coming into your goes into one of your computers. This computer will be the server. (ME would probably be a better choice for this). Then on another NIC, a line goes out to a router or hub to connect all the other pc's together. Here is an excellent web site that will explain all the nuances of home networking:World of Windows Networking
Easiest way is to go down to CompUSA (or whatever store you like that is reputable) and get a Linksys DSL/Cable Router and a second cheap hub. Plug the Cable modem into the Linksys and follow the instructions and set all your PC's for DHCP and watch it fly. I have done this method several times since they came out. We did the proxy thing before with ICS and it was always a pain. Several companies (linksys, 3Com, SMG, etc.) make 4 port routers. Plug 3 computers into this one along with the cable modem, plug a hub (you choice of flavors) into the last port with either a cross over cable or enable cross over on the hub if available and plug the remaining PCs into it. Works great.
Linksys makes an 8 port router..... part # befsr81..... this should do you fine but you can only expose one pc to the internet, might get you in the right direction though hope it helps....
ps you can get a good deal on the router at buy-dot-com