Router Help!

User: inactive Posts:

I recently bought a Belkin 8-Port Network Switch, but I can only get one computer to work with it.

My brother thought it might be the different operating systems, so I tried using both computers with the same OS, but that didn't work either. One computer runs XP and the other runs Windows 98 SE.

If anyone can help, it would be greatly appreciated!

usasma · Joined: May 06, 2003 Posts: 5007

What are you trying to do with the switch?

Share files between computers?
Share the internet connection?

User: inactive Posts:

I'm trying to share the internet connection.

Rons · Joined: Dec 07, 2002 Posts: 5667

You may wish to read the article below:

Switch vs Router - What's the difference?

It sounds like you need a router. Cool

goretsky

Hello,

Could you explain in more detail how the computers are connected to each other and the Internet Access Device (IAD), a/k/a the modem?

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky

User: inactive Posts:

Thanks for the replies Smile

I did what my brother told me to do, which was to connect the modem to the switch, then connect the two computers to it.

I give up with it anyway. Think I'll sell it on ebay and buy a router lol.

Werebo

Allo Mad-Rocker and welcome to Lockergnome Forums

(belatedly Wink

)

If you're opting to get a router, a point to note while deciding which one: Make sure it has Firewall capabilities. A hardware firewall beats a software one hands down Wink

, and it don't use any PC resources etc...

Do post back if you have any hassles with it Smile

User: inactive Posts:

Hiya WereBo,

Thanks for the advice Very Happy

I'm thinking of getting this one. Link

Sorry if I wasn't allowed to post that link Confused

Something will probably go wrong with that router as I seem to be jinxed Shocked

Werebo

You're OK, links are allowed, unless you're spamming which this isn't Wink

The router you're thinking of reads ok, it has the firewall capabilities etc. You might be able to get one a bit cheaper, new on eBay from one of the 'eBay Shops', I got my brand new 4 port cabled ADSL router for less than £20 inc. P & P...

With a router installed instead of a 'Switch', you can hook any PC into your network, regardless of Operating System... My 'HomeNet' has a laptop with WinXP and an ancient PC with Win98 hooked in...

I must admit though, Win98 was the hardest to get working right, as far as networking/internet sharing goes

...

User: inactive Posts:

Thanks for that Very Happy

I'll go and look on ebay now and see what there is. Hope I can find a cheaper one!

Thanks again for your help Smile

alphanumeric · Joined: Jun 02, 2004 Posts: 647

Um, doesn't every router have a (basic) firewall function? I'm no network expert but don't routers use NAT, network address translation, to do there thing, and NAT gives you a basic firewall? Question

Werebo

Apparently, older routers didn't have a firewall facility... When I was at college, studying for my MS A+ exam, it didn't cover the networking side of it so I 'sat in' the Cisco Networking' classes in my free time, to pick up what I could...

Most of the stuff made a really nice 'Whoooooshing' sound as it went straight over the top of my head, but some bits fell off and settled into my brain Wink

... Router firewalls was one of the bits that landed

...

patio · Joined: Feb 03, 2004 Posts: 5598

Rest assured, that whooshing sound means at least some of the equipment is still functioning...

It's when you get total silence that you have to start worrying... Laughing

patio.

User: inactive Posts:

lol @ WereBo.

I've found a router for £25.99. Soooo much cheaper. I've just ordered it using the buy now, instead of bidding. Just hope it works!