Chapter 2 Help
Table of Contents
2.1 System Help
2.2 Online Help
Often there are times when you might need help with a specific command, setting up a program, or getting a piece of hardware to work. Maybe you simply want to understand a given command better, or see what other options are available to use with it. Luckily, there are a variety of ways that you can get the help you're looking for. When you install Slackware you have the option of installing packages from the “F” series which includes FAQs and HOWTOs. Programs also come with help about their options, configuration files, and usage.
2.1 System Help
2.1.1 man
The man command (short for “manual”) is the traditional form of online documentation in Unix and Linux operating systems. Comprised of specially formatted files, the “man pages”, are written for the vast majority of commands and are distributed with the software itself. Executing man somecommand will display the man page for (naturally) the command specified, in our example this would be the imaginary program somecommand.
As you might imagine, the amount of man pages can quickly add up, becoming overly confusing and seriously complicated, even for an advanced user. So, for this reason, man pages are grouped into enumerated sections. This system has been around for a very long time; enough so that you will often see commands, programs, and even programming library functions referred to with their man section number.
For example:
You might see a reference to man(1). The numbering tells you that “man” is documented in section 1 (user commands); you can specify that you want the section 1 man page for “man” with the command man 1 man. Specifying the section that man should look in is useful in the case of multiple items with the same name.
Table 2-1. Man Page Sections
Section Contents
Section 1 user commands (intro only)
Section 2 system calls
Section 3 C library calls
Section 4 devices (e.g., hd, sd)
Section 5 file formats and protocols (e.g., wtmp, /etc/passwd, nfs)
Section 6 games (intro only)
Section 7 conventions, macro packages, etc. (e.g., nroff, ascii)
Section 8 system administration (intro only)
In addition to man(1), there are the commands whatis(1) and apropos(1) available to you, whose shared purpose is to make it easier to find information in the man system.
The command whatis gives a very brief description of system commands, somewhat in the style of a pocket command reference.
Example:
% whatis whatis
whatis (1) - search the whatis database for complete words
The command apropos is used to search for a man page containing a given keyword.
Example:
% apropos wav
cdda2wav (1) - a sampling utility that dumps CD audio data into wav sound files
netwave_cs (4) - Xircom Creditcard Netwave device driver
oggdec (1) - simple decoder, Ogg Vorbis file to PCM audio file (WAV or RAW)
wavelan (4) - AT&T GIS WaveLAN ISA device driver
wavelan_cs (4) - AT&T GIS WaveLAN PCMCIA device driver
wvlan_cs (4) - Lucent WaveLAN/IEEE 802.11 device driver
If you'd like further information on any of these commands, read their man pages for the details. ;)
2.1.2 The /usr/doc Directory
The source for most packages that we build comes with some sort of documentation: README files, usage instructions, license files, etc. Any sort of documentation that comes with the source is included and installed on your system in the /usr/doc directory. Each program will (usually) install its own documentation in the order of:
/usr/doc/$program-$version
Where $program is the name of the program you are wanting to read about, and $version is (obviously) the appropriate version of software package installed on your system.
For example, to read the documentation for the command man(1) you would want to cd to:
% cd /usr/doc/man-$version
If reading the appropriate man page(s) doesn't provide you with enough information, or address what you're looking for in particular, the /usr/doc directory should be your next stop.
2.1.3 HOWTOs and mini-HOWTOs
It is in the truest spirit of the Open Source community that brings us to the HOWTO/mini-HOWTO collection. These files are exactly what they sound like - documents and guides describing how to do stuff. If you installed the HOWTO collection, the HOWTOs will be installed to /usr/doc/Linux-HOWTOs and the mini-HOWTOs to /usr/doc/Linux-mini-HOWTOs.
Also included in the same package series is a collection of FAQs, which is an acronym which stands for
Frequently
Asked
Questions
These documents are written in a “Question and answer” style for (surprise) Frequently Asked Questions. The FAQs can often be a very useful place to look if you're just looking for a “Quick Fix” to something. If you decide to install the FAQs during setup, you will find them installed to the /usr/doc/Linux-FAQs directory.
These files are well worth reading whenever you're not quite sure how to proceed with something. They cover an amazing range of topics, more often than not in a surprisingly detailed manner. Good stuff!
http://www.slackbook.org/html/help.html
Slackware Linux Essentials: Tutorial 01
Chapter 1: An Introduction to Slackware Linux
Table of Contents
1.1 What is Linux?
1.2 What is Slackware?
1.3 Open Source and Free Software
1.1 What is Linux?
Linus Torvalds started Linux, an operating system kernel, as a personal project in 1991. He started the project because he wanted to run a Unix-based operating system without spending a lot of money. In addition, he wanted to learn the ins and outs of the 386 processor. Linux was released free of charge to the public so that anyone could study it and make improvements under the General Public License. (See Section 1.3 and Appendix A for an explanation of the license.) Today, Linux has grown into a major player in the operating system market. It has been ported to run on a variety of system architectures, including HP/Compaq's Alpha, Sun's SPARC and UltraSPARC, and Motorola's PowerPC chips (through Apple Macintosh and IBM RS/6000 computers.) Hundreds, if not thousands, of programmers all over the world now develop Linux. It runs programs like Sendmail, Apache, and BIND, which are very popular software used to run Internet servers. It's important to remember that the term “Linux” really refers to the kernel - the core of the operating system. This core is responsible for controlling your computer's processor, memory, hard drives, and peripherals. That's all Linux really does: It controls the operations of your computer and makes sure that all of its programs behave. Various companies and individuals bundle the kernel and various programs together to make an operating system. We call each bundle a Linux distribution.
1.1.1 A Word on GNU
The Linux kernel project began as a solo endeavor by Linus Torvalds in 1991, but as Isaac Newton once said, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” When Linus Torvalds began the kernel the Free Software Foundation had already established the idea of collaborative software. They entitled their effort GNU, a recursive acronym that means simply “GNU's Not Unix”. GNU software ran atop the Linux kernel from day 1. Their compiler gcc was used to compile the kernel. Today many GNU tools from gcc to gnutar are still at the basis of every major Linux distribution. For this reason many of the Free Software Foundation's proponents fervently state that their work should be given the same credit as the Linux kernel. They strongly suggest that all Linux distributions should refer to themselves as GNU/Linux distributions.
This is the topic of many flamewars, surpassed only by the ancient vi versus emacs holy war. The purpose of this book is not to fan the fires of this heated discussion, but rather to clarify the terminology for neophytes. When one sees GNU/Linux it means a Linux distribution. When one sees Linux they can either be referring to the kernel, or to a distribution. It can be rather confusing. Typically the term GNU/Linux isn't used because it's a mouth full.
http://www.slackbook.org/html/introduction.html
Table of Contents
1.1 What is Linux?
1.2 What is Slackware?
1.3 Open Source and Free Software
1.1 What is Linux?
Linus Torvalds started Linux, an operating system kernel, as a personal project in 1991. He started the project because he wanted to run a Unix-based operating system without spending a lot of money. In addition, he wanted to learn the ins and outs of the 386 processor. Linux was released free of charge to the public so that anyone could study it and make improvements under the General Public License. (See Section 1.3 and Appendix A for an explanation of the license.) Today, Linux has grown into a major player in the operating system market. It has been ported to run on a variety of system architectures, including HP/Compaq's Alpha, Sun's SPARC and UltraSPARC, and Motorola's PowerPC chips (through Apple Macintosh and IBM RS/6000 computers.) Hundreds, if not thousands, of programmers all over the world now develop Linux. It runs programs like Sendmail, Apache, and BIND, which are very popular software used to run Internet servers. It's important to remember that the term “Linux” really refers to the kernel - the core of the operating system. This core is responsible for controlling your computer's processor, memory, hard drives, and peripherals. That's all Linux really does: It controls the operations of your computer and makes sure that all of its programs behave. Various companies and individuals bundle the kernel and various programs together to make an operating system. We call each bundle a Linux distribution.
1.1.1 A Word on GNU
The Linux kernel project began as a solo endeavor by Linus Torvalds in 1991, but as Isaac Newton once said, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” When Linus Torvalds began the kernel the Free Software Foundation had already established the idea of collaborative software. They entitled their effort GNU, a recursive acronym that means simply “GNU's Not Unix”. GNU software ran atop the Linux kernel from day 1. Their compiler gcc was used to compile the kernel. Today many GNU tools from gcc to gnutar are still at the basis of every major Linux distribution. For this reason many of the Free Software Foundation's proponents fervently state that their work should be given the same credit as the Linux kernel. They strongly suggest that all Linux distributions should refer to themselves as GNU/Linux distributions.
This is the topic of many flamewars, surpassed only by the ancient vi versus emacs holy war. The purpose of this book is not to fan the fires of this heated discussion, but rather to clarify the terminology for neophytes. When one sees GNU/Linux it means a Linux distribution. When one sees Linux they can either be referring to the kernel, or to a distribution. It can be rather confusing. Typically the term GNU/Linux isn't used because it's a mouth full.
http://www.slackbook.org/html/introduction.html
Choose and Register a Domain Name
Find the best web address and protect it with domain name registration.
To do business on the Web, you'll need at least one domain name -- the .com or .net website identifier that has become so familiar (and sometimes annoying) in commercials and print advertising. You may want to use your business name as your domain name, with .com or .net tacked on at the end -- or you might pick a new domain name that you think will draw people to your site.
To help your website, and business, flourish, pick a domain name that:
- is easy for Web users to remember and find
- suggests the nature of your product or service
- serves as a strong trademark so competitors won't be able to use a business name or domain name similar to it, and
- is free of legal conflicts with trademarks belonging to other businesses.
Choosing a Domain Name
The best domain names are often the simple ones -- short, memorable, clever, and easy to spell and pronounce. Nevertheless, you must weigh the sometimes competing concerns of a Web-friendly name with the importance of obtaining trademark protection for the name you choose.
Can You Get Trademark Protection?
Straightforward domain names that describe a business's product or service are more difficult to protect as trademarks than distinctive and clever domain names. Many good domain names -- for instance, coffee.com, drugs.com, and business.com -- are not eligible for much trademark protection because they aren't unique; they identify whole categories of products or services. Likewise, domain names that use geographic identifiers or surnames are less likely to receive trademark protection -- unless your name happens to be Dr. Koop or something equally famous.
To do business on the Web, you'll need at least one domain name -- the .com or .net website identifier that has become so familiar (and sometimes annoying) in commercials and print advertising. You may want to use your business name as your domain name, with .com or .net tacked on at the end -- or you might pick a new domain name that you think will draw people to your site.
To help your website, and business, flourish, pick a domain name that:
- is easy for Web users to remember and find
- suggests the nature of your product or service
- serves as a strong trademark so competitors won't be able to use a business name or domain name similar to it, and
- is free of legal conflicts with trademarks belonging to other businesses.
Choosing a Domain Name
The best domain names are often the simple ones -- short, memorable, clever, and easy to spell and pronounce. Nevertheless, you must weigh the sometimes competing concerns of a Web-friendly name with the importance of obtaining trademark protection for the name you choose.
Can You Get Trademark Protection?
Straightforward domain names that describe a business's product or service are more difficult to protect as trademarks than distinctive and clever domain names. Many good domain names -- for instance, coffee.com, drugs.com, and business.com -- are not eligible for much trademark protection because they aren't unique; they identify whole categories of products or services. Likewise, domain names that use geographic identifiers or surnames are less likely to receive trademark protection -- unless your name happens to be Dr. Koop or something equally famous.
Best Broadband in Malaysia
Guess what, I just came back from PacketOne Networks (P1, for short) office located just beside the Federal Highway. What did I go there for? Simple enough, because they knew I am the upcoming Malaysia Problogger and invited me over to officiate the launching of their long awaited P1 W1MAX USB Modem!
This USB modem is what the folks there called the WIGGY. You can see this teaser which counts down to PC Fair day! This is something which all of you have been waiting for… and you just have to wait two more days to find out all the details you need in PC Fair.
But you are in luck today! I show you first hand photos of the much talked about P1 W1MAX USB Modem.
The USB Dongle comes in a little plastic case. It contains the USB modem, a manual and is encased within some shock absorbent material.
The USB Modem itself is sleek and sexy. This small modem definitely provides more mobility for P1 W1MAX and so much better compared to the current bulky DS-300 Modem.
Let’s plug this baby into my USB port.
So far so good. Once the modem is plugged it, it triggers the self installation program and installs the device drivers and the connection manager program. This is simple enough and was completed in a couple of minutes. What the heck, let’s connect now….
Darn, can’t connect. The connection status stays as “Scanning” (red light blinking) for forever… Hey, P1 WiMAX supports download of up to 30Mbps and upload of up to 7Mbps, but I am getting “Scanning…” only. Not too sure it is because my account is not activated yet (they told me I will need to wait until tomorrow noon for account activation), or my area is located at the fringe of the coverage area. I will give it another chance tomorrow and will also try this at another place.
More details of this modem can be found on Green Packet’s website under the name US-230
This USB modem is what the folks there called the WIGGY. You can see this teaser which counts down to PC Fair day! This is something which all of you have been waiting for… and you just have to wait two more days to find out all the details you need in PC Fair.
But you are in luck today! I show you first hand photos of the much talked about P1 W1MAX USB Modem.
The USB Dongle comes in a little plastic case. It contains the USB modem, a manual and is encased within some shock absorbent material.
The USB Modem itself is sleek and sexy. This small modem definitely provides more mobility for P1 W1MAX and so much better compared to the current bulky DS-300 Modem.
Let’s plug this baby into my USB port.
So far so good. Once the modem is plugged it, it triggers the self installation program and installs the device drivers and the connection manager program. This is simple enough and was completed in a couple of minutes. What the heck, let’s connect now….
Darn, can’t connect. The connection status stays as “Scanning” (red light blinking) for forever… Hey, P1 WiMAX supports download of up to 30Mbps and upload of up to 7Mbps, but I am getting “Scanning…” only. Not too sure it is because my account is not activated yet (they told me I will need to wait until tomorrow noon for account activation), or my area is located at the fringe of the coverage area. I will give it another chance tomorrow and will also try this at another place.
More details of this modem can be found on Green Packet’s website under the name US-230
How to Connect Two PCs with an Ethernet Crossover Cable
Networking Options
There are four reasonable ways to connect two PCs (both running Windows) by a single cable:
1. Connect an Ethernet crossover cable between the Ethernet network ports on the two PCs. (Easy)
2. Connect a FireWire cable between the FireWire ports on the two PCs. (Easy)
3. Connect a special USB link cable between the two PCs, along with some software. (Requires some fussing, some software, and a special cable.)
4. Connect a serial-port crossover cable (sometimes called a null modem cable) between the serial ports on the two PCs. (Requires a fair amount of fussing, works slowly, and sometimes won’t work at all for reasons that never come clear.)
Use an Ethernet Crossover Cable to Connect Two PCs
By far, the simplest, easiest, and cheapest connection between two PCs is through a Category 5 Ethernet crossover cable. If you’re using Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows Vista, it’s virtually automatic. In summary: You turn both PCs off, connect the crossover cable between the Ethernet port on one PC and the Ethernet port on the other, and then turn them on and boot up. In a couple of minutes, you should be connected. That’s all it takes!
An Ethernet crossover cable is a special variety of the familiar Category 5 Ethernet patch cable. It looks almost exactly like an ordinary Ethernet patch cable, but it will be labeled somehow so that you know it’s a crossover cable. Look for the abbreviation CRS embossed in the plug on each end or for a label of some other kind.
TIP: If you have a crossover cable that isn’t labeled, label it right now. If you mix them up later on and try to use a crossover cable instead of a regular Ethernet patch cable (or vise versa), you will not be able to make a connection!
What is a Crossover Cable?
What makes the cable a crossover cable? It doesn’t look any different physically, and it’s only different electrically. Old-timers may remember something called a null modem, which was used to connect PCs through their serial ports in ancient times. A crossover cable is a null modem for Ethernet ports rather than serial ports. It connects the output pins of one Ethernet port to the input pins of another and vice versa. No communication can happen between two PCs on a straight-through patch cable because with a straight-through cable, the two PCs’ input pins are connected together, as are the output pins. Inputs can’t talk to inputs, nor outputs to outputs. The crossover cable makes sure that inputs talk to outputs and outputs to inputs.
How to Create the Connection
Here’s your step-by-step for direct connection via Ethernet crossover cable:
1. Make sure the network ports on both PCs are enabled in pre-Vista PCs. To do this, click Start, then Settings, and then Network and Dial Up Connections. Look for a line labeled “Local Area Connection” and be sure that it’s marked as “Enabled.”
2. Make sure the cable in your hand is indeed a crossover cable, and connect it between the two Ethernet ports.
3. Power up or reboot both PCs.
Once both PCs are past bootup, give them a few minutes to self-assign an IP address with APIPA and locate one another.
4. For XP PCs, in Windows Explorer, expand My Network Places and click on Computers Near Me. Look and see if the name of the opposite PC is displayed. For Vista, open Network. If you don't see the new PC, click Network and Sharing Center and enable "discovery".
There are four reasonable ways to connect two PCs (both running Windows) by a single cable:
1. Connect an Ethernet crossover cable between the Ethernet network ports on the two PCs. (Easy)
2. Connect a FireWire cable between the FireWire ports on the two PCs. (Easy)
3. Connect a special USB link cable between the two PCs, along with some software. (Requires some fussing, some software, and a special cable.)
4. Connect a serial-port crossover cable (sometimes called a null modem cable) between the serial ports on the two PCs. (Requires a fair amount of fussing, works slowly, and sometimes won’t work at all for reasons that never come clear.)
Use an Ethernet Crossover Cable to Connect Two PCs
By far, the simplest, easiest, and cheapest connection between two PCs is through a Category 5 Ethernet crossover cable. If you’re using Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows Vista, it’s virtually automatic. In summary: You turn both PCs off, connect the crossover cable between the Ethernet port on one PC and the Ethernet port on the other, and then turn them on and boot up. In a couple of minutes, you should be connected. That’s all it takes!
An Ethernet crossover cable is a special variety of the familiar Category 5 Ethernet patch cable. It looks almost exactly like an ordinary Ethernet patch cable, but it will be labeled somehow so that you know it’s a crossover cable. Look for the abbreviation CRS embossed in the plug on each end or for a label of some other kind.
TIP: If you have a crossover cable that isn’t labeled, label it right now. If you mix them up later on and try to use a crossover cable instead of a regular Ethernet patch cable (or vise versa), you will not be able to make a connection!
What is a Crossover Cable?
What makes the cable a crossover cable? It doesn’t look any different physically, and it’s only different electrically. Old-timers may remember something called a null modem, which was used to connect PCs through their serial ports in ancient times. A crossover cable is a null modem for Ethernet ports rather than serial ports. It connects the output pins of one Ethernet port to the input pins of another and vice versa. No communication can happen between two PCs on a straight-through patch cable because with a straight-through cable, the two PCs’ input pins are connected together, as are the output pins. Inputs can’t talk to inputs, nor outputs to outputs. The crossover cable makes sure that inputs talk to outputs and outputs to inputs.
How to Create the Connection
Here’s your step-by-step for direct connection via Ethernet crossover cable:
1. Make sure the network ports on both PCs are enabled in pre-Vista PCs. To do this, click Start, then Settings, and then Network and Dial Up Connections. Look for a line labeled “Local Area Connection” and be sure that it’s marked as “Enabled.”
2. Make sure the cable in your hand is indeed a crossover cable, and connect it between the two Ethernet ports.
3. Power up or reboot both PCs.
Once both PCs are past bootup, give them a few minutes to self-assign an IP address with APIPA and locate one another.
4. For XP PCs, in Windows Explorer, expand My Network Places and click on Computers Near Me. Look and see if the name of the opposite PC is displayed. For Vista, open Network. If you don't see the new PC, click Network and Sharing Center and enable "discovery".
Connect Two Home Computers for File Sharing
Methods for networking two computers
The simplest kind of home network contains exactly two computers. You can use this kind of network to share files, a printer or another peripheral device, and even an Internet connection. To connect two computers for sharing these and other network resources, consider the options described below.
Connecting Two Computers Directly With Cable
The traditional method to network two computers involves making a dedicated link by plugging one cable into the two systems. Several alternatives exist for networking two computers in this manner:
•Ethernet crossover cable
•Null modem serial cable or parallel peripheral cable
•Special-purpose USB cables
Ethernet - Of the above choices, the Ethernet method is preferred as it supports a reliable, high-speed connection with minimal configuration required. Additionally, Ethernet technology offers the most general-purpose solution, allowing networks with more than two computers to be built fairly easily later. If one of your computers possesses an Ethernet adapter but the other has USB, an Ethernet crossover cable can still be used by first plugging a USB-to-Ethernet converter unit into the computer's USB port.
See also: Ethernet crossover cables
Serial and parallel - This type of cabling, called Direct Cable Connection (DCC) when using Microsoft Windows, offers lower performance but offers the same basic functionality as Ethernet cables. You may prefer this option if you have such cables readily available and network speed is not a concern. Serial and parallel cables are never used to network more than two computers.
USB - Ordinary USB cables must not be used to connect two computers directly to each other. Attempting to do so can electrically damage the computers! However, special USB cables designed for direct connection exist that can be used safely. You may prefer this option over others if your computers lack functional Ethernet network adapters.
To make dedicated connections with Ethernet, USB, serial or parallel cables requires
1. Each computer have a functioning network interface with an external jack for the cable, and
2. The network settings on each computer appropriately configured
One phone line or power cord cannot be used to directly connect two computers to each other for networking.
The simplest kind of home network contains exactly two computers. You can use this kind of network to share files, a printer or another peripheral device, and even an Internet connection. To connect two computers for sharing these and other network resources, consider the options described below.
Connecting Two Computers Directly With Cable
The traditional method to network two computers involves making a dedicated link by plugging one cable into the two systems. Several alternatives exist for networking two computers in this manner:
•Ethernet crossover cable
•Null modem serial cable or parallel peripheral cable
•Special-purpose USB cables
Ethernet - Of the above choices, the Ethernet method is preferred as it supports a reliable, high-speed connection with minimal configuration required. Additionally, Ethernet technology offers the most general-purpose solution, allowing networks with more than two computers to be built fairly easily later. If one of your computers possesses an Ethernet adapter but the other has USB, an Ethernet crossover cable can still be used by first plugging a USB-to-Ethernet converter unit into the computer's USB port.
See also: Ethernet crossover cables
Serial and parallel - This type of cabling, called Direct Cable Connection (DCC) when using Microsoft Windows, offers lower performance but offers the same basic functionality as Ethernet cables. You may prefer this option if you have such cables readily available and network speed is not a concern. Serial and parallel cables are never used to network more than two computers.
USB - Ordinary USB cables must not be used to connect two computers directly to each other. Attempting to do so can electrically damage the computers! However, special USB cables designed for direct connection exist that can be used safely. You may prefer this option over others if your computers lack functional Ethernet network adapters.
To make dedicated connections with Ethernet, USB, serial or parallel cables requires
1. Each computer have a functioning network interface with an external jack for the cable, and
2. The network settings on each computer appropriately configured
One phone line or power cord cannot be used to directly connect two computers to each other for networking.
Sharing your Internet Connection
Many people have multiple computers at their residence, however they typically have only one of the computers connected to the Internet if they are using high speed Internet access such as Cable Modem or DSL. The other computer is cursed to spend its days stuck on dial-up. Since I believe this is morally wrong, I wrote this article.
Despite what some Internet Companies (ISPs) would like you to think, you can (with the right equipment) connect all your computers over your single Internet connection. You do not have to pay any extra monthly fees and you will not loose any Internet functionality.
No matter how you decide to share your connection, it is going to require that you provide wiring or wireless to connect each computer. This can be done many different ways. Over your existing phone wires (slow but cheap), over network wires (very fast), or over wireless. After you get your network up and running then you can decide what method to share your Internet connection.
Clue: Sharing your Internet connection also provides a basic firewall to protect your PCs from intrusion or attack from the Internet.
Using a DSL/Cable Router
This is my recommended method for sharing an Internet connection. You have more flexibility and options with a router (such as port forwarding). To use a router there is one requirement, the DSL or Cable-modem connection must be an Ethernet connection, it cannot be a USB device that plugs into your computer. If you do have a USB DSL modem or Cable Modem your only choice is to make your computer the router (this is called Microsoft Internet Connection Sharing).
MS Internet Connection Sharing
Microsoft's ICS allows you to share any type of Internet connection, even if you want to share a Dial-Up. Using Internet Connection Sharing, which is built in to Windows XP/Me, is one way to get the job done. It basically requires one computer to have the Internet connection and a separate network card that is used to share to the rest of the network.
The downfalls are that this computer must be left on at all times because all the other computers rely on it for their Internet access, this computer must be equipped with 2 network connections (one to the Internet and one to the internal network) and ICS does not provide many features that come with using a router.
Despite what some Internet Companies (ISPs) would like you to think, you can (with the right equipment) connect all your computers over your single Internet connection. You do not have to pay any extra monthly fees and you will not loose any Internet functionality.
No matter how you decide to share your connection, it is going to require that you provide wiring or wireless to connect each computer. This can be done many different ways. Over your existing phone wires (slow but cheap), over network wires (very fast), or over wireless. After you get your network up and running then you can decide what method to share your Internet connection.
Clue: Sharing your Internet connection also provides a basic firewall to protect your PCs from intrusion or attack from the Internet.
Using a DSL/Cable Router
This is my recommended method for sharing an Internet connection. You have more flexibility and options with a router (such as port forwarding). To use a router there is one requirement, the DSL or Cable-modem connection must be an Ethernet connection, it cannot be a USB device that plugs into your computer. If you do have a USB DSL modem or Cable Modem your only choice is to make your computer the router (this is called Microsoft Internet Connection Sharing).
MS Internet Connection Sharing
Microsoft's ICS allows you to share any type of Internet connection, even if you want to share a Dial-Up. Using Internet Connection Sharing, which is built in to Windows XP/Me, is one way to get the job done. It basically requires one computer to have the Internet connection and a separate network card that is used to share to the rest of the network.
The downfalls are that this computer must be left on at all times because all the other computers rely on it for their Internet access, this computer must be equipped with 2 network connections (one to the Internet and one to the internal network) and ICS does not provide many features that come with using a router.
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