I have two PC's at home that I want to network mainly for internet access. They are both Windows 98SE. One is a HP Pavillon 6617. The other is a Austin PC. What do I need to buy to make this possible? Is it easy enough to do without getting someone in? What would be the approximate price of setting up the network? I understand that I need to install NI cards and connect them with a crossover cable. Will any NIC fit my motherboard?

Thanks,
Natalee

Re: Home Networking: how to connect two PC's running Windows 98

The fact that you are talking Win98SE operating systems would make a visual inspection of the motherboard necessary, you don't state the ages of the machines.

If both computers have what is called a PCI slot available (that is the long white slots in the back left hand side): The answer is Network Interface Cards, which are available.

If you have ISA slots (brown in colour) little bit more difficult but still can be done. The other alternative is USB but again the age of the motherboard would concern me.

Are the units Desktop or Towers? If easy to carry take to a dealer for inspection or download a program called BELARC Advisor run the program on both machines ( Your motherboard will be identified) Get the specs for your motherboard from the web.

A good brand of NIC would be in the order of $30.00 the cable depends on length and availability, you can use a Straight Through cable (more useful in the long term) and ONE ONLY conversion plug at either end to make it a crossover. The plug is about $5.00. I am quoting Australian dollars.

Re: Home Networking: how to connect two PC's running Windows 98

Natalee,

Hooking up the computers is fairly easy, its getting the internet shared that is the hard part. You are right in saying that you need 2 network interface cards, and a cross over cable. Most network cards will slot in to your motherboard's PCI slot, this is the slot that is usually located in the lower half of your motherboard, and there is usually about 4 or 5 PCI slots per motherboard.

Newer PCs come with NICs built into the motherboard, but judging by the age of your operating system, I would guess that this would not be the case for you.

NICs usually cost about $15 - $20, while the cable will vary depending on length. Most computer stores stock these parts. Sharing the internet is not an easy job using Windows 98, however, I believe that you can get some 3rd party applications that will help make it easy, though I can't think of any of the names at the moment.

Hope this helps.
Matt.

Re: Home Networking: how to connect two PC's running Windows 98

Hi Natalee,

In order to network two PCs having windows98se you just need the following things;-

a)two network cards (NICS) one fitted in each of the computers

b)One crossover cable which will connect the two NICs

After you have succesfully connected the two PCs with the crossover cable just sit on the computer that you have the physical internet connection.

Goto control panel->add Remove Programs Click on the top tab that says windows setup; Select Internet Options and click on details; Select the option that says Internet Connection Sharing. It will bring up a wizard. Choose the shared adapter as PPP adapter if you are using a dialup and the home as your NIC ..Just do a next and cancel the startup disk option when it asks for.

After it is succesfully completed it will restart. After that just restart your second computer Then connect to the internet with your first computer If everything goes right you will be able to surf the internet with your second computer.

Best of luck and cheers

Kash