I have two computers, one running on Vista and one running on XP. I tried using wireless routers and adapters and the older computer with XP seems to be having trouble so I think I am just going to use wired connections to use the internet on both desktops. I have a couple questions. My new computer has a spot for a ethernet cable in the back of the hard drive, but my other computer was connected though USB. Is there a way where I can buy a router and run the ethernet cable into my new computer and then a cable from my modem to my older computer through USB. Like is there a cable with ethernet at one end and USB at another? Also, if I hook them up with a wired router will I be able to use the internet at the same time on both computers?

I don't know what you are refering to when you said that you have a ethernet connection on the back of your harddrive....

There are converters that you can use for connectiong to the router through the USB port on your computer. The problem is that they are designed to be a temporary fix....it would be best to buy a pci card and install it...

I use this to connect customers computers to my network so as to download updates quicker than their dial up modems.
Newegg.com - TRENDnet TU-ET100C 10/ 20/ 100/ 200Mbps USB to Ethernet Adapter 1 x RJ45 - Network Interface Cards

I buy these by the dozens as they are cheap and easy installs.
Newegg.com - ENCORE ENL832-TX-RE 10/ 100Mbps PCI Fast Ethernet card 1 x RJ45 - Network Interface Cards

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The propper connection proceedure is....

cable to modem Cat5E connected to router (hardwired or wireless) Cat5E to computer1 and Cat5E to USB adapter or new ethernet card to computer 2

The only differnce to this is some ISP providers supply their customers with a combination modem/router....which if possible try to avoid and supply your own as those provided by from the ISP are usually tuned way low and unaccessable by the end user.

well i mean

on my old computer i connected my modem to my hard drive by usb

on the new one i connect it using ethernet cable

dosent it just go...

cable to modem to router and then each computer has a cord running from router to back of hard drive?

You cannot connect either a modem or a router to a hard disk drive.

Here's a pix of a hard disk drive showing the cable connections...

http://www.peterdecroubele.be/wp-con.../hard-disk.jpg

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Wombat's: Bulldozers of the bush...

no ok lol

im saying like

right now

it goes cable to modem to computer , the modem is connected through the computer with an ethernet cord

my computer upstairs WAS NOT connected to the modem using a ethernet cord it used a USB from the modem

therefore, if it uses USB, is there ports for a usb on the router or only ethernet?

I have never seen a router with a USB port. They are ethernet cable connect only.

Do as Lurkswithin said, and get a pci ethernet card and install it. You can pick them up cheap (from about $10.00)...

ok,.

so i have to purchase this:

Dynex® - 4-Port Ethernet Broadband Router - DX-E402

and this :

Dynex® - Desktop 10/100 PCI Network Card - DX-E102

and then ... go

cable -> modem -> router -> 2 computers (through ethernet)

and i can be on both the computers internet at the same time, correct?




ALSO. CAN I USE THIS ON MY DELL? I KNOW IT IS TEMP., BUT WHAT DOES IT MATTER?
Apple® - USB 2.0 Ethernet Adapter for Apple® MacBook® Air Laptops - MB442Z/A

I am not familiar with that particular brand but if that is where you chose to get it from then that will work. I personally think that you can do much better than what you have shown....Most new routers include a built in firewall which is really great for security purposes...that One I saw no mention of it nor what protocol it is using so i would be wary of that brand...

Newegg.com is one of the safest online stores there are to use and you can get it within a week...

Another one I have used for years is 3B Tech - Buy computer parts, notebooks, desktops, electronics and more! which has everything as free shipping and they have some other good deals all the time!

I personally have used this same router before I upgraded to wireless and it is a heck of a deal for less than $20 US
D-Link DI-604 4-Port Wired Broadband Router for DSL or Cable Modem OEM at 3B Tech - Buy computer parts, notebooks, desktops, & home electronics

and a good price on a network card...$10 US Zonet ZEN3200 PCI 10/100 Network Card Retail at 3B Tech - Buy computer parts, notebooks, desktops, & home electronics

both deals cost less than just the router you wished to buy from BestBuy .

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As for the USB adapter....I really don't know if that will work or not....Apple uses different drivers than what windows uses because it is differnt formatting. The driver for that would be for the apple so I just don't know if it would work or not. MY honest guess would be that it wouldn't .