What precautions do I need to take?
- In today’s world, you have several options. However, remember that you always need an antivirus program with up-to-date virus signatures, anti-spyware software (which may be included in the antivirus software) and you need a good two-way firewall program.
- Be sure to review my Home Networking Security article for network diagrams and security implications.
- Always use a router to protect your local network (your home network) from direct access by computers on the Internet.
Terminology
- Ethernet patch cable = an 8-wire cable designed for networking, with "RJ-45" plugs on each end. The plugs are wired the same on both ends
- Ethernet crossover cable = similar, but the wiring is different. The wires connected as "transmit" and "receive" on one end are connected as "receive" and "transmit" on the other. This eliminates the need for a hub or switch to handle the hand-shake, but it only works for two computers.
The Minimum Cost option
- Your dialup connection.
- The Internet Connection Sharing software built into Windows.
- A couple of used 10 Mbit Ethernet cards (usually called 10-baseT cards) at about $2-$3 each and a "crossover cable" to connect the two cards (about $20 for 25’).
- You must manually set IP addresses and DNS (domain name server) addresses for your two-computer network, since you won’t have a "DHCP server" on your "network."
- If you’re running Windows XP, the "host computer," the one with the actual Internet connection, will act as a DHCP server for the other computer(s).
The Recommended Option
Wired network, with cable or DSL
and cable/DSL router
-
A 10/100 or 10/100/1000 MBPS network interface card (NIC) or a USB-ethernet adapter for each computer ($10-$50). Sometimes, you can find 10/100 network cards that are $5 or even free after rebates. - A Cable/DSL router, not a plain "hub" or "switch." These normally come with four Ethernet connections for the local area network (LAN) and one to go to the cable/dsl modem (wide area network = WAN). You could get one that has both wireless capabilities and Ethernet ports. ($40-$100)
- A Cable modem or DSL modem. The router does not replace the modem. (If you already have cable or DSL, you’ve got this already.)
- No special software required
- Ethernet connections, either 10/100 or 10/100/1000 Mbps, for each machine. These may be network interface cards (NICs), may be built onto the motherboards of your computers, or might be USB Ethernet adapters.
- Ethernet patch cables to connect the NIC’s or USB-ethernet adapters to the router and the router to the modem. The router-to-modem cable — use the one that came with the modem for this connection.
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