how to wifi 2 pc?

[mfyong]

hi,
sorry but i'm new to this.
i'm just wondering how to wireless network my pc and my laptop. that's all i want to do. can i use my laptop to connect to the net via my pc which is always connected? is it sufficient by buying 2 wifi cards? thanks.cheers

[M/Q]

Welcome to the forum. You have two options to setup a wireless network. First do you have a broadband Internet connection? That is important to know as if you have to dial up to access that makes the choices much different. What are the operating systems of the computers you are using?

Assuming that you have an always on connection, you have the one method of using Windows ICS and each computer using just their wireless adaptor and connecting using an ad hoc or peer to peer mode. The other method is to get a wireless gateway/router device and the two wireless adaptors, attach the gateway to the Internet access device and have both computers wireless adaptors connect to it in infrastructure mode.

The second method requires an additional device, but it is the method I recommend. It will isolate your computers from the Internet, which means more security. Windows ICS is not that stable and is a hassle to configure. It also will not have the throughput that using a wireless gateway device. For most people the use of ICS is a real problem.

[james]

I agree with mpkn3rd. Unless you have a decent working knowledge of networking and wireless, configuring Windows ICS will probably be too much of a hassle. Go with the gateway device if you can, it'll save you a few headaches.

[mfyong]

hi,
so do i use a router or something which acts as a gateway? does that mean i need not switch on my desktop computer if my laptop wants to use the internet? anyway, i'm on broadband. thanks.

[M/Q]

That is correct, you connect the router/gateway to the Internet access device and then you can access it from either one. The other computer does not have to be on.

[rasmasyean]

because if it's internal to the PC, you'll have to leave your pc on!