Internet Question

You'll need either...

Assuming you don't want to put modems in all three computers, you will need all three computers with a NIC connected to a hub and then use some sort program like Internet connection sharing that comes with win98SE or a thirdparty software (like sygate, winproxy or wingate) to share the connection between the other two computers and the one that can connect.

Hope this helps..

Mark

OK I actually know the answer to this one with definate results. You will need a hub, 3 nic's and a modem. Install NIC in each machine, give your main connection machine the modem. Connect all of them to the hub. Install 602ProLan suite. Setup prolan as per IT's instructions. DO NOT USE internet connection sharing that comes with windows. Dial-in to your connection provider. Using prolan, you now have all of the other machines accessing the internet via the one machine with a modem. THIS DOES WORK. I ran an entire netwotk of 40 machines through a single 56k modem on a free isp with no noticable difference from the 128k ISDN line we had been using. Needless to say, a faster connection is always better, ie., DSL, cable, etc., but not neccessary.
I hope this helps you. Email me and let me know.

No you don't need a hub for three computers. You can get combo nic cards and use coax cable. Yes the biggest, meanest, computer should have the modem, and yes you can use Internet Connnection Sharing from Win98SE or ME with no problems. You will need 2 more email accounts. But be warned, with 3 people surfing the net at the same time while connected with a 56k modem (even if you are able to connect that fast) could get very slow. The best thing to do is call your cable company and see if cable access is available.

Larry Hyman

All other solutions seems good, this is mine. If you have a budget, this will save you the trouble in the future if you are adding new computer or switching to broadband:
1, LinkSys Router ($150++)
http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?prid=20&grid=5
2, NIC ($30-40) each
3, CAT 5 ($3-5) each
4, 8-port switch ($60-100) optional
5, adding pc to the network without hassle (Priceless)
value added:
1, built in firewall in the router.
2, LAN games anytime you want, of course not to mention file sharing and other stuff.

No matter what your budget is go with answer 4 (buy a router and connect all computers to the router) even if ist looks to be the most expensive one this will save you much more money than you put in.
If you go with a win9x machine to be the serverthan you will have much more down time than with a hardware sollution.