Share Your Net Connection
If you have multiple PCs, it doesn't make sense for each computer to have its own dedicated Internet link. Fortunately, all of your PCs can share a single connection, by using Windows' built-in Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) software.
To begin, you'll need to link your PCs together in a network. (See "Set Up a Network in a Snap" in our January 2002 issue.) You will also need a working Internet connection.
A dial-up connection is usually acceptable for a network of two or three PCs. Broadband is a necessity for a larger network, or for heavy downloading. ICS can work with a broadband connection, but you should consider purchasing a router ("Wireless Networks That Do More") instead.
ICS is available for Windows 98, Me, 2000, XP Home, and XP Professional. We recommend using an XP-based system as the ICS computer; the example shown here uses XP Home. For information on setting up an ICS PC using other versions of Windows, go to Help and then search for Internet Connection Sharing.
Stan Miastkowski is a PC World contributing editor. Contact him at stan_miastkowski@pcworld.com. Click here for past Step-By-Step columns.
The Top Down
Benefits: Share a single Internet connection among networked PCs.
Expertise level: Beginner-intermediate
Vendors (broadband routers): Asante, D-Link, Linksys, NetGear, SMC Networks, Zyxel
Costs: Using an existing PC, free; using broadband router, $75-$100
Time required: 1 hour
1. Activate the XP Network Wizard.
Click Start and select My Network Places. In the Network Tasks selection box in the upper corner, click Set up a home or small office network. The Network Setup Wizard will appear. Click Next.
2. Make sure your network is ready.
Review the 'Before you continue' dialog box carefully. Your network should already be up and running, so you shouldn't need to click the 'Checklist for creating a network' link. Click Next.
3. Select the current PC for Internet Connection Sharing.
On the 'Select a connection method' screen, make certain This computer connects directly to the Internet is checked, and then click Next.
4. Specify the Internet connection that will be shared.
On the 'Select your Internet connection' screen, highlight the connection you wish to share. If you're sharing a modem or a USB-based cable or DSL connection, the choice will be obvious. But if you have two network cards in your PC, choosing the correct network adapter can be tricky. For more information, click the how to determine your Internet connection link. If you still have problems, forge onward.
5. Construct the network bridge.
The 'Your computer has multiple connections' screen allows XP to set up a "bridge" between the connections, an essential step in ICS. If you're familiar with networking, click the second choice. For most users, the first choice, which permits XP to determine the connections automatically, is the better choice.
6. Name the ICS computer and the network.
Some Internet providers require that the computer be given a specific name (which will be shown on the screen), although this isn't necessary for dial-up connections. If your ISP requires a specific name, don't change it. If not, any name will do.
In the next screen, you'll give your network a name. All computers must use the same one. Suggestion: Use WORKGROUP.
The next screen summarizes your network settings. Click Next to complete the process. (It can take several minutes.)
7. Create a network disk.
Next, you need to create a network setup disk that you can use to automatically set up the other computers on your network to access the Internet through the sharing PC. Though there are other choices on the screen, using a floppy disk is the easiest way. Follow the directions.
8. Set up your other networked computers.
Insert the network setup disk into each computer's floppy drive, open My Computer, double-click 3_ Floppy (A:), and double-click netsetup. Follow the directions. If you have problems, try running the Network Setup Wizard on the ICS computer again.