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Buying a computer system/Computers --Connecting a 2nd computer

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Expert: - 4/5/2011


Question
My step-mom has a laptop computer hooked up to a DSL connection in her front room.
 She wants to connect a PC in a back room.
She wants the PC to be connected to the same DSL connection.
The PC was used only with a dial-up connection.
Does the PC have to be modified in order to use the DSL connection?

How can I connect the PC for her and what is the most cost effective way to do it?

Thank you.

Answer
You need a home network, based around a router. Look at products from D-Link, Netgear, or Linksys/Cisco. You'll need to ensure that your computers have available Ethernet ports, or WiFi capabilities (and if you do go WiFi, that your router supports it). This will allow file sharing and resource sharing across the entire network, which will include the DSL connection.

-bob

Buying a computer system

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Bobbert

Expertise

I have nearly two decades of experience in IT, computer repair, and related fields and will attempt to provide the most solid, brand-agnostic advice when it comes time to purchase a new computer, or upgrade an existing machine. I can answer anything from the seemingly basic to the downright complicated - and will do my best to provide this information in a clear and concise manner.

Experience

I have been an enthusiast of PC's for many years, and can answer questions about the purchase/use of a new computer or the purchase, installation, and use of upgrades for existing computers. There probably isn't a whole lot related to the home computer that I haven't seen over the years.

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15+ years of experience

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