> DSL just came available in my area.  The local phone co. handles
> it and gave

     Welcome to the wonderful world of broadband, I'm a DSLer as well.

> me a 3com internal dsl modem for the connection.  I've read some posts on
> routers but I'm a bit confused.  Will a router work with an internal dsl
> modem?  A previous post indicated  a pattern like this: wall --> modem -->
> router -->computers.  How can I do this with the internal dsl
> modem?  I have

        Simple, you can't, with an internal DSL modem a router isn't much of an
option.

> a small 3 computer network with a hub already and want to give
> dsl access to
> all three but the modem is in my main computer.  I'm also concerned with
> security issues and want to prevent outside access to my little network.
> Would I have to buy an external dsl modem and a router?  I don't have much
> money to invest in this, what kinds of equipment can anyone suggest?  Will
> Win98SE internet connection sharing be able to accomplish this
> task?  Would a

        No, you can do this fine with the setup you have. The first step is does
your ISP use PPPoE or just straight Ethernet? Why I ask is because some
PPPoE clients don't like ICS. Aside from that, yes, ICS will do exactly what
you want, however I would recommend something a little more advanced,
something like SyGate does everything ICS does and more, but is MUCH more
usable IMHO. However you can't beat the price of ICS!

> software firewall solution be adequate?  What software firewalls
> are there?
> Do they slow down the computer its running on?

        Although you can use a software firewall, it isn't a necessity. As long as
you update the software of your computer and ensure that your file and
printer sharing is not bound to the modem you shouldn't need to worry about
outside access. As for a firewall affecting performance, yes, however it
would most likely be too small to notice.

> I apologize for my long post .  This dsl thing is a whole new
> animal for me.

        Enjoy it, the only danger is once you have it you can NEVER go back to
dialup! :) TTYL

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