With the ever-increasing prominence of Internet, multiple computers at a given location are becoming a norm rather than an exception. With two or more computers, the cost of having Internet access on all computers increases. This cost can be brought down by creating a network and allowing both computers to share the same Internet connection. This option also enables sharing files and other devices connected to the network. The Internet can be shared on two computers in different ways.

STEP 1: Shut down the computers and unplug from the power supply.

STEP 2: Ensure that both the machines network with each other, implying they share files and peripherals. Specific hardware and/or software is required to form a network of computers as well as getting them to share Internet access. Today, the market is flooded with equipment and applications that help achieve one or both the tasks.

Both the computers should have a network interface card (NIC) to network. The NIC is also referred to as Ethernet card, LAN card or network adapter. Most new computers today have factory installed network cards. All you need to do to make a network is to connect the computers using a CAT5 Ethernet cable. In case you do need to install a network adapter, remember to install the required drivers too.

STEP 3: Check for proper functioning of the network by plugging in the cables and starting the computers. Let them initialize and look for the occurrence of one computer in the Network Neighborhood of the other PC.

STEP 4: Identify a suitable method of sharing the same Internet connection between two computers after creating the network between them. There are three methods to do so, and te first is called Setting up a Proxy. This method requires you to directly connect one PC to the Internet connection so the computer functions as a proxy server. If a standard modem is used as the mode of Internet access, the computer to be directly connected must have two LAN cards, one so it can connect to the modem and the other for networking with the second PC. A USB modem however requires only one LAN card in the proxy. One of the main disadvantages of setting up a proxy is that the computer directly connected to the Internet should always be on to enable the second PC to be online.

STEP 5: The second option is Using a Router With Single LAN Port, A router helps connect networks and transmit data. It also functions as a switch and accomplishes several other tasks including routing data packets, determining the most appropriate path between hosts, securing data transmission and allowing PCs to share peripherals and Internet connections. Routers have LAN and WAN ports where cables from hosts and Internet connection cables are respectively connected. Connect the router to the modem. Routers with one LAN port necessitate the use of a hub/switch, so both the PCs can share the Internet connection. Connect the LAN port of the router to a hub/switch, which in turn needs to be connected to the two computers.

STEP 6: The third option is Using a Multi-port Router. Multi-port routers have several ports for multiple hosts to connect. Such a router in conjunction with a hub/switch accommodates hosts more than the number of LAN ports it has. Insert cable from the Internet connection into WAN port of the router. Connect both computers to the LAN ports of the router.

STEP 7: Configure network settings for each computer, a relatively easy process as most operating systems support user-friendly wizards that take users through the process. New computers come configured for networking, thus bypassing any need for extensive configuration.


Overall Tips&Warnings

-Before configuring the computers to share an Internet connection, call your ISP to determine their policy on sharing Web access.

-Use new difficult-to-guess passwords regularly to make it hard for hackers to interfere with your network.

-Proximity to electrical appliances may disrupt a wireless router's signal reception. Place routers as far away as possible from electronic gadgets to avoid poor signal quality.

-Do not leave cell phones near wireless networking devices.

Source: ehow.com