Question.

[conuly]

We have one internet connection, and two people/computers. Now, I can fix this situation with a router, right? How much do those cost? Where can I get one? What am I looking for in a router? Help?

Comments

[ser-kai.livejournal.com]

How come my computer has software to set up a LAN?
Ie. Do you need a router & why?

[conuly]

...?

[ser-kai.livejournal.com]

Seriously, you need a router for a LAN(local area network)?

My computer has software to set one up.

[conuly]

You mean "Do you want to set up a LAN" or "Is this what one uses a router for"?

[ser-kai.livejournal.com]

Neither, zathras26 answered, thanks.

[zathras26.livejournal.com]

You don't need a router -- you can use your computer as a router, as you correctly surmise. It's just that that's not the preferred method for various reasons... it's better to use a router.

[ser-kai.livejournal.com]

Thanks.
Why isn't it the preferred method?

[zathras26.livejournal.com]

Using a separate hardware router is generally more stable and more secure than using your computer as a router. Not to mention which, if you want to use your computer as a router, you also have to install a second NIC in your computer. That's not difficult, but it's also something that a lot of people don't want to mess around with.

[ser-kai.livejournal.com]

NIC?

[ser-kai.livejournal.com]

Heh. Iunoo what it is, exactly but mine came set up.
It tells me there's a network cable unplugged.

[zathras26.livejournal.com]

A "NIC" is a network interface card, which is what you use to connect to the Internet. Most computers have only one NIC. If you want to use your computer as a router, you have to have two.

It sounds like yours already has two installed, in which case it would be a lot simpler for you to set up your computer for use as a router. It's still better to have a separate router, but using your computer as a router will work OK, too.

[ser-kai.livejournal.com]

Thanks! :-)

Yeah, it came with all sorts of cool stuff.