What you need is a router/switchbox.  Linksys, D-Link, SMC, and other companies make these at prices between $80-$100.  See the latest PCMag issue for a rundown on home networking, with reviews of most of these boxes, and editor's choice for best.  With this box each computer gets on the Internet individually, so no gateway is needed, and the computers can see each other, share files, transfer files, use printers, etc. I have just such a system set up at home using an SMC Barricade 7004ABR, although there are also wireless models.  I'm sure your laptop comes with an NIC, which is how you will want to connect to your other ground based home desktops.  You can e-mail me off the list for how to do it. Joseph Marty: [log in to unmask]  Definitely get the latest PCMag issue to help you choose a box.




>I am new to networking computers together but not to computers, so I decieded to jump into this with both feet. I have read a little bit of info online and I feel fairly comfortable with doing this. What I am about to do is set a network of computers consisting of 3 systems, two desktops and one notebook. I was thinking of purchasing a router online that will allow the two desktops to connect together via ethernet cables and the notebook via WI-FI. But I am unclear of a few things, one with my cable modem using a ethernet connection do i still have to go into the main computer first with the internet connection and then into the router or can I connect into the router first and still connect to the internet with all three computers. I really do not want to have to use one computer as a gateway unless needed, but all the sites i have read this is how it was explained; except one home network kit had it connected the other way.
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>Also before I get the router I will be recieving the notebook and I am going out of town with it. I would like to be able to copy some files off of one of the desktops to take with me and I need an easy way to do so. Can I just connect the two compters together with a ethernet cable or maybe a serial cable and if so what software do i need in order to do so?? Or if there is an easier way then I would like to hear them from the networking gurus or someone who has gone though this before.
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>Sorry this is so long but I wanted to get all the info needed in it. To let you know both desktops will be running Windows 2000 and the notebook will be running WinXP home.
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