Sharing internet through a switch.

[dreadlord79]

Hello all, I've got a question for all you smart people. I have just purchased a Linksys Model# EZXS55W Etherfast 10/100 5-port switch and was going to hook my comp and my cousins 2 into it through a 400 PII as the gateway. I got this idea from a friend at work who has something like this set-up in his home (he uses Linux for the OS on the gateway). He told me that all I needed to do was throw 2 NIC cards in that where 10/100, plug the cable modem into the first and then run the connection out the second one to the switch effectively giving me internet through the switch to the other 3 comps. All of the systems that I have are running updated (with the stuff I need and none that I don't) Windows 98. Can anyone help me? Remember, I've had 2 skull fractures and about 9 sever concussions, so PLEASE make it easy to understand!

Thank You ALL in advance!

[KaHNZa]

You will need to setup ICS on the Gateway machine. Assuming its a windows machine.

[scooter4n]

Check this >> http://www.dalantech.com/netmenu.shtml

[Shep]

If the pii has windows on it you can use ICS if not go get coyotelinux or freesco, both are small linux versions that are designed for routing that boot from a floppy and load into ram. Coyote has a windows setup tool if you are not good with Linux.

[dreadlord79]

I've been meaning to learn to use Linux but am unsure which "flavor" I should use and am also not to sure about whether it will work with '98 with out me constently watching it. I have a friend here at work how uses Linux for his gateway and has a couple of years of experience with it. How long does it generally take to learn a "passing" knowledge of Linux? I enjoy learning new things and am interested in command line OS.

[rivercom9]

Whats an ICS?

[Shadow ÒÓ]

Internet Connection Sharing. It's a feature of 98SE or above and is basically just a proxy server.