sharing an internet connection?

[JohnnyStorm]

how do i network and share an internet connection?

[moonacre]

That's too big a question to answer fully here but here's an overview to get you started: To network 2 or more PCs together each needs to have a network card installed. This is easy and cheap (<�10 each) provided you have spare slots in each PC. For connecting just 2 PCs all you then need to do is connect them with what is called a crossover cable. To connect more than 2 PCs together you will need to buy a hub or a switch. These devices (hub cheap (�20), switch more expensive(�50+)) are devices with some intelligence to route data to the right PC. The PCs are then connected to the hub/switch with normal networking cables. That's pretty much all you need to do other than setting up file and printer sharing as needed. Sharing an internet connection is/can be more complicated. The cheapest way is to use (assuming you have windows) the built in software called ICS. This is fairly easy to set up but it can be pot luck. Some people can never get ICS to work (I'm one of them). Others find it works first time and wonder what all the fuss is about. The rule seems to be if it works, great. If it doesn't, give up 'cause it never will. There are a number of alternatives to ICS but not free. Sygate is a good example. This in my experience works like a dream. For more reading and some very good instructions go to http://www.makeitsimple.com/how-to/simple.htm and http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/sharin
g.htm and http://www.putergeek.com/home_network_2/