Finding best way to hook up Linux laptop to WinXP desktop
 

I am running Red Hat Linux 9 on my Inspiron 3800 in my bedroom. It is great, only I don't have internet. My bedroom is up on the 3rd floor of the house, but the desktop (running WinXP, which mom & dad won't let me install Linux on) is on the ground floor.

The DSL is on the desktop. I want to find some way to get it also on my laptop.

Is there any way for me to do that? Will just installing a new modem work? Please help!

:newbie:

You need a piece of equipment called a switch, and some ethernet cables (one long enough to reach your room and one to reach from the modem to your parents' desktop). Depending on how extensible you want your network to be, i.e. how big a switch you go for, the whole operation will set you back some 15 Pounds Sterling, or whatever that is in your currency. Alternatively, you can opt for a hub. I expect wikipedia.org will be able to tell you the difference.

Best,

Samsara
.

As Samsara stated, what you need is a router. However, unlike his suggestion of using ethernet cables, I would recommend getting a wireless router. With a floor separating the two computers, you would require quite a bit of cable.

How much do those usually cost? Do you know what the least expensive one would be?

Oh yeah, there's NO way my mom would let me string cable all around the house, so wireless is the only way to go. (My mom hates visible cords, but I can stash short ones behind bookcases and shelves so it won't bother her.)