The Official Computer Tech Support Thread

[Freebase Dali]

Originally Posted by zevokes

cool. i will get avast. i had norton, but it expired.

i have another question...

our modem has only one ethernet-out jack. this means one computer on the net at a time, which can obviously be rather inconvenient.

so, do i have to buy a new modem? or a router (wireless or otherwise)? or is there an ethernet "splitter" that i can plug into the back of my modem that will make one cable into two?

cheaper is better obviously, but i will obviously do whatever it takes cuz this is about as annoying as not being able to use the net when i need to.

and again, thanks for your help.

You can simply go to any electronics department store (ie. Radioshack) that sells consumer routers and modems, and get a small Switch. A switch is basically a device that allows more than one computer to access a single connection, but does so more intelligently and efficiently than a simple splitter or hub as it manages data flow so there are no collisions and manages bandwidth better.
Here's an example:

$24.99 Available at: http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...dsInSession=1#

On the back, there is an ethernet port for the connection to the modem, and 4 ethernet ports for PC's to connect to. Each computer will need its own straight-through ethernet cable to connect to its own port. You will also need a third cable of the same type for the connection between the modem's output port you're currently using, to the input port of the switch. The maximum cable length between your PC and switch, and switch to modem, can't be more than 328 feet, although I doubt you'll need that much. With the cable you have now, you should be able to get a separate short cable for the connection between the modem and switch, and a longer cable for you or your girlfriend's computer. Cat-5 straight through cables are what you're looking for. You can find them anywhere. Check Amazon for online, or your local electronics provider. I think even Walmart has them. (Switches too, if I'm not mistaken)
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Category 5 cable: (usually sold as UTP-5)


Another option, albeit a more expensive one, is if you both have laptop computers with wireless cards and want more mobility without having to connect with a cable, you can get a wireless router instead of a switch and just connect wirelessly. This is a bit more difficult because you actually have to configure the router for connectivity, and you'll also have to lock it down so other people won't leech off you. Speeds are also slower with wireless by virtue of its collision avoidance method and error detection needs due to the nature of the transmission method and medium (radio waves via air). If you value speed, lower price, and ease of setup over mobility, you should go with the switch.

In either scenario, you won't have to buy a new modem. You simply connect the switch or router to the modem and the switch or router will be your access point.

Let me know if you have any other questions.