How Can I Connect with Another Computer in My Home with One Internet Service?

When trying to run a household on a tight budget, it's important to monitor reoccurring expenses beyond utilities, rent or mortgage, such as the cost of your Internet Service Provider (ISP). More and more households are connecting to the Internet, and people are looking for ways to keep the costs for this service in check. Additionally, it's now commonplace for a household to have two or more computers. If your second computer has a wireless card, you can connect it to your existing computer and Internet service setup with little drama.

Purchase a wireless router with at least four ports.

Connect the Ethernet cable to the "Internet" port on your wireless router. Connect the opposite end of the Ethernet cable to your cable or DSL modem at the port labeled "Internet."

Plug your power cord into the wall outlet, powering up your modem to reboot its system. Plug your power cord into the wall outlet for your wireless router. Your router will show flashing lights as it powers up. The wireless router will allow multiple computers and devices to connect to your ISP without the need for wires.

Turn on your computer to configure your router for connectivity to the Internet. Insert the Desktop Wizard CD provided with the wireless router kit, and follow the instructions for installation. Write down your server set identifier (SSID) and wired equivalent privacy (WEP) key for later steps.

Connect to the Internet, locate the "Wi-Fi connection" icon at bottom right of your computer screen and double click on it.

Click on the "Properties" button and select "Wireless Networks." Your wireless card will read all wireless networks within your area. Locate the name given to your router, which was determined during the installation.

Double-click on your wireless network. Enter the SSID and WEP key provided by your router during the set up. Close the window, return to the wireless network tab and double-click it. Highlight your network and click "Connect" under the section labeled "wireless network." Your computer will connect automatically to the Internet.

Repeat Steps Four through Seven for your additional computer.