Q.  How can I share my Internet connection across my network?

In order to share your Internet connection across a network you require either a router or Internet sharing software. A router is a hardware device that allows you to connect your modem or ISDN line into one port and your network into another. When network traffic is destined for the Internet (for example you open up Internet Explorer), the router will automatically recognise this and connects to the Internet through your ISP. It then filters information that is to go to the Internet and only sends this information out over your modem link thus conserving bandwidth

If you are setting up the shared Internet connection for business, you should purchase a router such as a Cisco 700 series or Banksia Web Ramp since these hardware devices are more reliable than software. . This is because these devices contain their own processors and do not rely upon a computer to be up and running for the connection to work.

However, if you only want to share the Internet on PCs at home or for a very small office, you can use the Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) software included with Windows 98 SE (Second Edition). This is a far cheaper alternative since routers cost at least $400.00 whereas the Windows 98 SE upgrade only costs $189.00!

To install the ICS software on the computer with the modem (called the host computer) go to Start Settings Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs, Windows Setup, Internet Tools and Check Internet Connection Sharing.

Windows will prompt you to insert your original Windows '98 CD to copy the required files. Once the software is loaded, Windows will start the Internet Connection Sharing Wizard to help you set up your connection.

You will be asked to specify how you connect to the Internet (modem, ISDN or network card for cable modem) and you will then be prompted to create a client disk. Finally, you will need to reboot your computer for the changes to take effect.

You will then need to run the ICSCLSET.EXE program (from you client disk) on the other computers on your network so that they will be set to use your host computer to access the Internet. If you want to change any of your ICS settings go to Start, Settings Control Panel, Internet Options, Connections, Local Area Network (LAN) settings Sharing.

If you are connecting to the Internet via a high speed cable modem, you will also need to purchase a second network card for the host computer. This is because ICS requires one network card to connect to the ISP via the cable modem and another network card to connect to the home network.

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