Setting up a network on WIN2K

Windows 2K supports two network cards, so plug your cable modem via the UTP cable onto one of your cards, then your link cable between you and the other machine onto the other card. Then using Personal Web Server (that comes built into Win2K) to manage a connected for the other PC to connect to. If that doesn't work, I use a free piece of software called VSOCKS Light which can manage an Internet Link. You can find this by going to www.pscs.co.uk

Any Problems, let me know

You could use a software approach, using M$' Internet Connection Sharing, or "ICS" (not Personal Web Server - which is a Web Server). Step-by-step is readily available fromn the Start Menu --> Help and search for "Internet Connection Sharing". Also try "technet.microsoft.com".

If you go this route, you should also get a software firewall (e.g., "ZoneAlarm") to load on the "server".

You'll need NICs and an appropriate cable, of course.

However, I highly recommend using one of the many "Broadband Routers" out there. These perform address translation (which among other things allow many systems to share one IP address from the ISP). Most of them also include Firewall capabilities, a built-in 4 or 8 port 10/100Mbps switch, and DHCP server for your LAN gear. The one that I use also has a print server and a modem port to be used as a backup if by broadband fails.

Why is this a preferred setup?

In this way, you won't have to keep your W2K box up and running just so somebody else can use the other computer. It also lets you grow. No sooner do you have 2 PCs, then a 3rd one comes in. With the hardware/appliance approach, you just jack-in.

Also, the firewalling is "better".

As for step-by-step, my broadband router camewith a "complete enough" manual. You can also do a search on this TR site for some of the keywords ("ICS", "broadband", "sharing", etc.) for lots and lots of threads on this topic (it comes up at least once a week). Also check out some of the manufacturers' sites:
www.asante.com
www.dlink.com
www.intel.com
www.linksys.com

I also just did a search on Google with "broadband sharing" and came up with lots of hits. Including this one at PC Magazine:
http://www.pcmag.com/article/0,2997,s=1482&a=4795,00.asp

Hope that helps.

I would do the ICS thing like ebob suggested. That is how I am running my computer at home.

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