networking computers

**bluebird** · #1 (**permalink**) 05-14-2006, 12:11 PM

Looks like we need to network the computers at our house. We have DSL internet. How do I do this?

ewriggs · #2 (**permalink**) 05-21-2006, 08:11 AM

Woof! It's been quite a while since we had DSL (we have had cable for about 6 years, now). As I recall, you will need a hardware router (Netgear is a good one). If you are using XP or 2000, you don't need any special networking software. You will definitely need a firewall bilt into the router (Netgear has a good one) as well as a software firewall like ZoneAlarm.

Your DSL provider will NOT help you with this. There are too many different machines and configurations for them to give support to every possible configuration.

If you aren't "geeky," you definitely will want to use the networking "wizards" in IE 2000 / XP. If you are using ME or 95, it's a whole different world. Not as helpful, and lots of hoops to jump through to get a network going.

2000pro or XPpro are top of the line for networking.

If you are in the Mac world, I have no clue!

Hope this helps a little bit!

Cheerio!
Elizabeth

**bluebird** · #3 (**permalink**) 05-21-2006, 08:52 AM

Thanks! We are running XP. Nope I am not geeky! I do have a cousin who knows everything and will walk me thru it all.

crazyfox44 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-12-2006, 05:16 AM

anyone out there using this windows live onecare and if so what do you think trying to make things run smoothly since i am realatively new to computers is this a good thing to install or not would like some info from those who have tried and like or reasons from those that tried and did not like

ewriggs · #5 (**permalink**) 06-26-2006, 03:33 AM

Even through I'm in the PC world, I hate everything Micro$oft, so I don't use anything of theirs that I can avoid!

So my response is don't use their "live onecare" unless you want them messing in your computer.

I've been ticked off with them for years, but it's gotten worse with XP. If you register it and everything, they will void your license and actually disable it on your compter (from Wash State!) if you make "too many" changes. Since I'm constantly adding and deleting programs, I managed to void XP twice in 3 months. Now, I just don't register it, and only manually download their security updates to my computer. That's just not "right."

Linux is getting more and more probable, now, looks like we'll totally get away from M$ altogether in the next 5 years!! Yeaaaaa! Take THAT:

Micro$oft!!

Did I say I HATE Micro$oft??

Cheerio!
Elizabeth