How connect Linux pc and a windows pc to same dsl internet connection
 

Got a new pc with Home Basic Vista. Have put old Pavilion in bedroom. Has Windows XP. I want to use my at&t dsl connection for both pcs. Know nothing about how to accomplish this. Ignorant. I want to wipe out Windows on older pc and install a Linux distro--not sure which one yet, need something that installs really easily using my mouse! I have AT&T DSL connection, using Siemens SpeedStream 4100 Ethernet ADSL modem. Will it be possible to connect to the internet using my dsl connection for both pcs, with two OS. If so, how do I accomplish this. Keep answers simple please. Just a personal pc user, lay language, step-by-step please. What do I have to do to make this happen?:newbie:

Network
 

You need a router, if I understand your question correctly. This is a device that goes between your DSL modem and your PC's. Does your DSL modem connect directly to your PC at the moment? If so, is it through a USB cable, or an RJ-45 cable (Looks like a fatter version of a phone cable)?

Basically you need a similar device, but one that has more than one Ethernet port.

Simply get an inexpensive router. Depending on the layout of the house, it may be more convenient to use wireless. You can get a router which includes the wireless. You will then need to install a card or adaptor in the remote computer.

Often, ethernet dsl modems are routers too. I found that this model has router functions too:
http://www2.shopping.com/xPF-Siemens...eam-Modem-4100

So, you need perhaps no router, but perhaps an ethernet hub only. Check well your modem's details, if it is router too.

Network Windows PC's
 

Hey there so here is what you need to do:

Network Diagram just for you!

1) Buy a router, unless like previous poster said your ADSL modem has built in router, which the new ones from service providers usually come with now. if not you can go to D-Link or Linksys. Now I use both so it doesn't really matter. I would recommend (depending what country you are in) to purchase something like the D-Link DI-524 which is a 4 port wired/wireless router.
2) Once you have figured out if you need the router or not... you need to place the router after you ADSL modem, you may also need to register your MAC ID - that depends on your Internet Service Provider.
3) Plug each PC into the router, in any port 1-4. There will be 1 port called WAN which is where you modem plugs into - this port supplies the internet.
4) Each computer should detect the network automatically as they are set to DHCP by default.

Your finished, each computer should have the internet. Now there are a few more steps to get the system just right, like setting each Windows box workgroup, you should do this for any Linux services as well, like Samba.

If you want some more help just PM me or e-mail me (click the link) and I will be glad to help!

My recent switch to DSL brought me a "free" Modem/Router combo with wireless!!

If we haven't lost OP, one option might be to contact the DSL provider and see what they might be willing to do.

Thanks all you good people. Will investigate all these options when get time off work to do so. Will get back to you when I figure out what works. Will probably then need help on getting my Linux up and running on old Pavilion. Will keep checking back. Thanks again.

Be glad to help just drop me an e-mail!

I hope, when you have time, that you checked out the diagram.

Cheers!