More Networking Questions

[free=good]

Here's the basics. Just got cable internet for a desktop a couple weeks ago, and want to wirelessly get the other desktop we have connected to it as well.

Here's the questions. The main machine is newer, with an ethernet connection and running windows xp. The other does not have an ethernet connection, but does have an available USB port(not 2.0 though). It runs windows me. Will this work or do I have to update the operating system on #2 and install a card instead of the USB? Will the 2nd computer be able to access the earthlink email of the 1st, or will it need its own email setup? I'm not really that interested in being able to access files from one system to the other, just to get internet access/email on both so that my wife and I can both work at the same time.

Next issue, what all do we need? I looked around at some of the links from a recent networking post and just got more confused. Do we need another modem (other than the one we got from cable dude) or a router or a switch or all of the above. Sorry to ask questions that you smart computer guys must be tired of answering, but I'm getting frustrated at every answer I seemingly find creating 3 more questions. Some sites have said they have to match op systems, others don't, etc.

Thanks a ton.

 

[Fanny McLonghorn]

All you need is a wireless router. You can get a little usb wireless receiver for pc #2, and you don't have to install a new OS, although you totally should. ME is the most unstable operating system I have ever used, even more unstable than 95 or 98gold if my memory is worth anything at all.

 

[idigTexas]

Connect the cable modem that you have to the wireless router's WAN port with an ethernet cable.

Connect PC #1 to one of the wireless router's LAN ports (typically there are 1-4 "wired" ports on a home wireless router) with an ethernet cable.

PC #2 uses a wireless receiver connected to the USB port. Just make sure that the receiver is compatible with both the router and USB 1.1.

PC #2 will require drivers for the receiver to function. You may also need to tweak the configuration of the router to support the receiver. Obviously this can't be done from PC #2, as it can't talk to the router yet.

I recommend that you use the same brand of receiver and router to ensure compatibilty.

ME should work, but the poster above is absolutley correct regarding its stability.

 

[hollisdude]

Ditto the aboves. Especially ditto the Windows ME warnings. Horrible OS.