I have two computers, one which is connected to the Internet via cable modem.

At the moment I do not wish to network them but I want to access the internet on the other computer for program upgrades etc.

Is it possible to get the same settings on the other computer and unplug the modem and plug it into the other computer to access the net when need be?

If so, I will need an extension cable. I'm not really sure what cable it is though. All I can say is that the modem goes into a little box that says ethernet USB adapter then another cable goes from that and goes into the computer (near the keyboard).

Is that a USB cable?

Re: Cable modem switching

If the cable modem plugs in to the USB port, then it should just be a matter of plugging it into the other computer, installing any drivers (if you need them, you may not) and installing the connection software (if you need it, you may not). It sounds like there's an ethernet cable between the modem and the adaptor and a USB cable between the adaptor and the PC.

Theoretically, you could use an extension cable for either the ethernet cable between the modem and the adaptor or the USB cable between the adaptor and the PC. Just work out which is cheaper or more convenient.

The way to tell the difference between an ethernet cable and a USB cable is that an ethernet plug is a clear plastic plug with a row of eight metal pins embedded in it - very similar to a US-style phone plug. A USB cable has a metal casing with four pins inside it (these are difficult to see).