Computer Help??

[elementx]

What exactly is needed to hook up 3 to 4 computers on Road Runner Service... My friend has Road Runner and she wants to hook it up to 3 computers and a Lap Top.

Anyone... Anyone???

Thanks

[mikeynine999]

Originally posted by elementx
What exactly is needed to hook up 3 to 4 computers on Road Runner Service... My friend has Road Runner and she wants to hook it up to 3 computers and a Lap Top.

Anyone... Anyone???

Thanks

linxs router u can buy it at best buy

[elementx]

Originally posted by mikeynine999
linxs router u can buy it at best buy

Does each Computer need a network card. Or can you use USB to connect???

[Legend]

Go wireless, 802.11g . Each computer will need a wireless card/adapter.

[PCR]

each computer needs networking card (NIC) and a router/switch, such as Linksys, D-Link, Netgear...they go for about $80 or so if with wireless; $40 if w/o the wireless
Wireless makes sense for laptops or if you just can't run cables to each of the computers.
You must take proper precautions to secure your wireless network, otherwise you will have people from outside accessing your wireless network...most people really don't know how to secure wireless networks

[bozer]

I'd stay away from the wireless if I were you. If you didn't know you needed network cards, then I'm guessing you don't know much about computers. Just get a linksys 4 port router from best buy/circuit city. Plugging it in is pretty much all you need to do.

Go with the wireless and expect a hassle.

[berniec]

Originally posted by bozer
I'd stay away from the wireless if I were you. If you didn't know you needed network cards, then I'm guessing you don't know much about computers. Just get a linksys 4 port router from best buy/circuit city. Plugging it in is pretty much all you need to do.

Go with the wireless and expect a hassle.

wireless is half the speed (if your lucky) and can get major interference if u live in an aparment

heres what i would buy

Netgear swtich w/ built in router ($40): http://store.yahoo.com/justdeals/ro318nar.html

4 Netgear network cards ($3 each) http://store.yahoo.com/justdeals/fa311r.html

go pick up 5- Catagory5 cables in the proper lengths and you'll be set

computers plug into the routers LAN ports, the RR cable modem goes into the WAN port on the router and your set.

[magilicuti]

linksys is better

www.newegg.com has the cheapest prices i've seen for network cables. i get all my computer stuff from there

[Legend]

Originally posted by berniec
wireless is half the speed (if your lucky)

Not if you get the 100mbps adapters/cards.

Wireless is the way of the future. It may be problematic now, but it is what networking is graduating to.

[magilicuti]

Originally posted by Legend
Not if you get the 100mbps adapters/cards.

Wireless is the way of the future. It may be problematic now, but it is what networking is graduating to.

but for now its still not as good as wired network for performance

[berniec]

Originally posted by Legend
Not if you get the 100mbps adapters/cards.

Wireless is the way of the future. It may be problematic now, but it is what networking is graduating to.

and pay 100x more to give u more probs then with the cheap time proven wired cards....i've got a wireless setup at home for my laptop cause its convient, but everything else is wired...unless u got a dam good reason for wireless its not worth it

[tbathe]

it depends where the comps are in your house/apartment...if they are close i would go with a wired network...like they said, buy a linksys router and make sure each of the comps have a network card in them, they are only like $10...if they are not in range to be wired go wireless but make sure u have someone secure the network otherwise its not safe, plus its more expensive and u dont get the same performance

[ripped2shreds]

router and nic cards

wireless can be a pain sometimes

[Legend]

The age of wireless is upon us..

[berniec]

Originally posted by Legend
The age of wireless is upon us..

getting there but not quite yet...

you still have a cable modem or DSL or whatever at home, even tho your cell phone COULD connect you to the internet at slower speeds wirelessly...ya its cool and emerging, but not quite practical.