posted on December 28, 2000 08:33:16 AM new
Hi all
My computer/electronics knowledge isn't much so I was hoping someone could answer this question.
We want to get a second computer so my wife can work separately but at the same time obviously, if desired. We have a dedicated phone line just for the one computer we now have.
Can we somehow hook the second computer into this existing computer phone line and operate two computers from the same phone line, like you can have two or more telephones on the same line? Could you work it so that when you dial-up the connection on one that the other is on-line too?
Or would we need a second phone line, a second ISP account, etc? I'm sure our Service Provider would say we need another account, but...just wondering...
posted on December 28, 2000 08:38:48 AM new
Sorry for not directly answering your question, but have you considered DSL or Cable? With my DSL account I get 4 static IP addresses (ie; use 4 computers on-line simultaneously).
posted on December 28, 2000 08:40:49 AM new
Try [u]www.intel.com/anypoint[/u]. However, two computers on one dialup connection will run at half the speed it currently does, if both of you are on at the same time, which is VERY slow. I would only suggest sharing a connection on ISDN or better (cable, DSL). However, if you don't mind the speed, then use Intel's Anypoint. It's very easy to use and connects right into the phone line. You can also share files and printers.
We are somewhat rural and are limited to what we can get. For instance, we can't get free internet service unless we wanted to pay extra for an in-town phone number. Our service provider is in-town of course but provides local dial-up numbers.
We can get cable TV if we wanted to but never have.
posted on December 28, 2000 08:56:23 AM new
you would need to use two phone lines if you useing a regular ISP Read there terms most state that your unlimited Internet use is for a single user only.
it also states that multiple loggins forbidden and can get your accout terminated so you will also need a second account some offer special deals where you pay $19.95 single add a second user and mail box for $10 additional.
but inless you set up a home LAN type system you will still need two phone line two user names and two passwords as multiple logins are not allowed on a single user account.
in any case check with your ISP most require you to have one account for each computer.
Sets up very easily-no need to run new cables. When you are not online to your ISP, you can still share printers etc and it won't interupt your phone calls.
posted on December 28, 2000 09:36:47 AM new
I read that Hughes is now offering DirectTV (the dish thing for TV) that has high speed internet access capabilities.
I don't know the cost, but for very rural areas it may be an option.
posted on December 28, 2000 09:57:14 AM new
Use a splitter at the phone outlet, one line to each computer. You can only go online one at a time, of course.
posted on December 28, 2000 11:01:40 AM new
I would recommend setting up a home (peer to peer) network and share the Internet connection. If you are running Windows 98 you can use the built in ICS (Internet Connection Sharing). There are many good sites on home networking, but this one will likely tell you what you need to know http://www.homepclan.com/. Through a home network you can both access both PCs as well as sharing out the printers.
Hope that helps!
----------------------------------- Yoda of Borg are we: Futile is resistance. Assimilate you, we will.
posted on December 28, 2000 11:35:17 AM new
Yes, you can have more than one computer using the dedicated phone line.
INTEL makes a device that networks computers through the inhouse power lines (the AC doesn't affect the data) ... you can share printers, other information, and the computer with the internet hookup can share it with the others. From the ISP point of view, it all looks like a single computer. Some chips in the device sort out who gets what web page, but they use a single logon and originate from the same and use a single account.
I've seen them at Fry's Electronics, COMPusa nd other stores. Easy to install. WAY cheaper than a second line.
Cable TV and a Cable modem wuold be faster with this setup ... the secondary computer would still be accessing via the computer with the master component, but cable is faster than dialup.
