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Software
Based Connection Sharing
 There are 100's of software based connection sharing
solutions out there. Many of them are better than any broadband
router on the market. Support for logging, application support,
rules, content control etc are sometimes generations above any
broadband router. There ARE some things you need to know
though.
First, the free solutions
are also the most simple. Microsoft has ICS built into many of it's
operating systems but it does not support many advanced
applications. It does not even work with NetMeeting or MSN Messenger
- two Microsoft products! Retail solutions are often more robust but
of course - they cost. If you only have two computers, be sure to
check out the retail packages because many are free for small
two-computer networks.
Second, the server must
always be turned on. If the software that shares your internet
connection is down, none of your computers can reach the internet.
This is where broadband routers win - they are 'always on'.
Third, more features means
harder to configure. More often then not, the 100's of configuration
options found in the more robust connection sharing software can be
confusing - even to a seasoned network guy like me. Basic setups are
almost always easy but beyond that it usually gets technical.
Fourth, you are going to need
two network cards in the computer connected to the broadband
modem - or only one if using a dial-up modem. Two network
cards are hard to get running because of IRQ conflicts. I
always recommend getting USB Ethernet network adapter for
your broadband connection to minimuze IRQ hassles.
Software based
connection sharing
...falls into a few basic categories
Retail / Robust solutions for
Windows
Software solutions for Macintosh
Linux as a
Router
A Linux computer makes a
great broadband router. Any Linux workstation can be
configured to route internet traffic. -OR- if you have an old 486 or
Pentium lying around, you can stick two network cards in it and use
the floppy drive to boot a 'micro-distribution' that will turn a
computer into a router - even if the computer does not have a hard
drive! Read more
here
Simple / Free Solutions for Windows
Microsoft provides a free internet sharing
solution in Windows 98SE, ME, 2000 and XP. It is called Microsoft
ICS. Learn about it here. Other solutions include:
WinGate -
free for 2 users!
Remember, since these solutions are free; the
often have very few features or support options. If all you need to
do is browse the web on a few computers and check e-mail then these
free solutions might be right for you.
Retail / Robust solutions for Windows
WinGate -
free for 2 users!
Software Solutions for Macontosh
See this page for software based connection
sharing solutions for Macs but remember, Mac's can use broadband
routers too! | 
Software based sharing
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