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General discussion

using one isp for two computers

Mar 14, 2004 11:42PM PST

My daughter recently moved in with me, so I now have two computers in the house. We each have use AOL (she voluntarily, me because I locked myself into it for a contract period that is not yet up). I just have the one phone line so only one of us can be online at a time. Is there some way I can have both computers use my AOL connection so I can cancel hers? Thanks, Jerry

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Re:using one isp for two computers
Mar 15, 2004 1:10AM PST

Duplicate all AOL settings from your computer to hers, and you should get connection. But you will share the user-id and any user-id related items, like mailboxes.
Assuming AOL has the possibility to use different e-mail addresses and e-mail boxes in one user account, you can manage that by using identities in Outlook Express.

Kees

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Re:using one isp for two computers
Mar 15, 2004 8:07PM PST

Hey Jerry,
The best way to do this is to network the two computers. But you have to have both computers running the same Operating System, ie Windows XP. Buy 2 PCI network cards and depending on how far away the computers are (your daughter could have hers in her room) the required length necessary to connect the two computers. Or if you have a bit of spare cash (who does???) go wireless. Im in Australia and it would cost me about $80 aussie dollars for the two cards and 30ft of network cable. You then install the cards(very easy). Then plug in the cable. You then have to setup the two connections in Control Panel(not hard). Then your ready to go. Both computers then can use the one internet connection to gain acces at anytime. Also this way both computers can be on the internet at the same time(its amazing if you have broadband). They can also share things. Like having only one printer or one scanner. You can also share folders and files as well as swapping files easily between the two computers. Mate this is a great way to use two computers and one phone line. Any problems,queries or help with this just leave a message. I usually check this site everyday.
Happy

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Remarks.
Mar 15, 2004 8:57PM PST

The two computers don't have to have the same OS to be networked. And a NIC is not absolutely necessary: a cross parallel cable will work also (albeit slower).

To share internet, you have to setup a software program like Internet Connection Sharing. Moreover, it will only work on the 'second' computer, if the 'first' one is on, and connected to Internet.

All of this only is relevant, in my opinion, only if you have broadband. And even then, I would prefer a router to a solution like this.
With dial-up, there's not added value at all too have an extra computer in between, in fact only disadvantages.


Kees