Okay, just wondering. I have a cable modem on one computer, and I'm wondering, do certain routers not work with Linux?? Should a standard issue Optimum Online modem and a wireless router from Radio Shack work together on Linux? This purchase will be made soon if I do, so I need help fairly quicly.
The router is a Linksys BEFW11S4

The router is not a piece of hardware that needs a driver for Linux. It just *routes* your traffic. It will not matter.

The cable modem, on the other hand, should be an ethernet modem (and you won't need to set it up, either). However, if it is a USB modem, you will have to get it set up - i.e. USB set up. That is, if you want to use it through Lindows. It does sound like from your post that you will use it with the other computer, so maybe that's not an issue.

What you will need to know are your IP addresses, gateway, and name servers (if you use them) to set up your nic in Lindows.

Linksys is great. You may want to be certain the model you are purchasing supports SPI.

They'd both be home computers, not servers. The one with the modem runs Windows 98, and the modem is plugged in the ethernet card. So, if I'm not using a server, and have my software like a regular computer, does that mean I won't need IP addresses, gateway, and name servers? I've never used them from what I know of.

The modem will include an instruction manual which will be very easy to use, even considering the fact that you've never networked 2 comps.

You will need 3 cat5 cables now. One to go from your Lindows computer to your router; another to go from your W98 computer to your router; and a third to go from you modem to the router. The cable you already have can be used for one of these. The router may come with a short cable that you can use for a second, so you may only need the third cable. The store (if they have competent employees - don't count on it if you live in the U.S. - especially someplace like BestBuy or CompUSA - never bought a comp part from Radio Shack) should be able to supply the cables that you need.

When you get the router, plug one cable from the modem to the wan (or uplink) port of the router. Plug the second cable from port 1 of the router to the W98 nic. Plug the third cable from port 2 of the router to the Lindows nic (you do have a nic in the Lindows comp, don't you?). Hardware finished.

Now, open a browser on your W98 comp and type 192.168.0.1 into the address bar, and this will open a login screen. You should read your manual for the correct information here, but I believe you will type admin as the user name. As for the password, it is probably either admin or you leave it blank. I haven't used a Linksys since I left the U.S. I am using a D-Link here in China, because there was no Linksys with SPI available in this city.

You can just follow the wizard for the basic setup. In the typical 2 comp LAN, your gateway would be 192.168.0.1, your W98 comp would be 192.168.0.2, and your Lindows comp would be 192.168.0.3 - but this is all for you to decide.

Hope this helps.

For more information, look in the Linux - Networking forum and the Linux - Security forum. There are about 18,000 other members who know more than I.

The IP address to enter into your router's web configurator is 192.168.1.1

I suggest you don't use wireless. It has a high security risk. Someone can be outside using your internet connection or getting files off your computer. Wireless is not fast if you like sharing your files with other computers on your network. Though its catching up on speed, but security has not change much.

In LINDOWS (bad LINUX distribution), set it up to automatically get an IP address. Your router should be setup as an DHCP server. An DHCP server handles all the IP address and it gives out unused IP adresses.

Using a wired router and a wireless device would not work. You need to buy another network device like a wired to wireless bridge.

I live in the US. I tried to apply to those stores, but they want sales people only. When will the store managers learn. Sometimes you get someone is knowledgable.

Sorry, I didn't notice that model is wireless. Get the Linksys BEFSX41. Linksys has very good details about installing their routers on their site in pdf form. You can even look at it before you buy the router ftp://ftp.linksys.com/qinstalls/befsx41fs.pdf for the model I just mentioned and http://www.linksys.com/products for what all they offer.

Not that he needs any confirmation, but Electro's information is correct. The address is 192.168.1.1 and I would also say stay away from wireless.

This is a matter of personal preference, however. There are reasons for doing it either way.