Ok here's the script

I just got a laptop off my lad (the one made redundant) and it's running XP with a Celeron M CPU at 1.6ghz with 533mhz FSB
512Mb and a 60gb HDD

It's sporting, as it would, 802.11 b/g wireless LAN.

On my new Vista box I can add a little antenna.

Can I run the laptop through the vista box so I can sit in my front room?

I'm crap at networking and not ashamed to admit it.

[Dalo Harkin]

Do you not have a router mate??
I am guessing the antenna is for yours to be wireless - I doubt if you can send your signal from your box to the laptop - I know you can on some ABIT MOBO's via there own device - but not seen it on anything else - you would have to run a CAT5 cable from your pc to the laptop in order to share the connection.

No Dave no router mate just a normal BB modem, it's weird because when I attached the aerial it wouldn't connect to the net, I had to reset the network properties.
CAT 5 from where though mate.
Ethernet is obviously already taken up.

[maynardvdm]

I think you do need a router or WAP to connect them wirelessly.

[Dalo Harkin]

Do you not have 2 ethernets on the back of the MOBO ??
failing that get a network card they are only like £4 or something - goes in a PCI slot and Voila

So if I get a wireless router can I hard wire my vista box to it and run the laptop wirelessly?

[Kelly]

I know you can do this on Mac OS-X. You set it up to share your wired Internet connection on the wireless radio.

I'd suspect you can also do it in Vista and maybe in XP. Check out Internet Connection Sharinng (ICS).

1 Ethernet socket Dave and somat called a 1394 socket on that.

[maynardvdm]

A switch should also work. I just don't know how much they are there.

I'd say get a router with a built in modem (if not all are like this already )

[maynardvdm]

Originally Posted by Wolfeymole

So if I get a wireless router can I hard wire my vista box to it and run the laptop wirelessly?

Yes

Would this be worth looking at Tony?

How to configure Internet Connection Sharing in Windows XP

[Dalo Harkin]

I have mine set up - router is hard wired to the NTL and Server too and the other 2 laptops and 2 pc's wirelessly connect.
Cheapest way is definately a wireless card mate and a length of CAT5.
but if you want it wireless you need the router.

The 1394 is firewire

This looks to be what I need what do you guys think?

Windows Vista Help: Using ICS (Internet Connection Sharing)

[Dalo Harkin]

That still involves using a HUB -

So how can I set the laptop to connect wire free Dave?

[Kelly]

Wolfey - you can try the ICS link and see if it works. I've tried ICS with a couple of customers who were on dial-up. It provided a way to share a dial-up connection. In theory it should do the same with broadband and you should be able to share the wired Ethernet connection via the wireless antenna on your Vista machine. The laptop should see it if the directions are followed. Good Luck.

That said, it's SOOOO much easier to simply connect a router to your ISP's Ethernet connection, then connect your Vista machine to the router. The wireless laptop will probably see the router right away and make a connection.

For the price routers are these days Tony I'll do that mate thanks guys.

Get back to you if I get any more probs.

[Dalo Harkin]

Wolfey - make sure you get the right type of router - some are CABLE (NTL/VIGIN) Specific and some are DSL (BT, o2) specific - I would call your provider first as some of them will give you a router FREE

I'm with virgin mate obviously on cable, that's worth a thought mate cheers.

How does this grab you?

Virgin Media Accessories

[Dalo Harkin]

Right when the guy came to do mine at the new house he told me to get in touch with customer services as they DO give you a FREE router - give them a bell and they should send you one - failing that I will call em and get me one and send it you - I have a NETGEAR one that I prefer for the limiting of access tools via MAC addresses in the router.