When (Not) to Use Windows' Internet Connection Sharing Gotta Have It? Ron Pacchiano
Gotta Have It?
While your extra hardware makes ICS unnecessary, some people need it but have trouble finding it. That leads to our next question:
I have a PC running Windows 98 Second Edition and would like to use it to share my cable modem connection with my daughter's PC. I've heard that I could use Microsoft's Internet Connection Sharing program to accomplish this, but can't seem to figure out how to install it. Does it come with Win 98SE or do I need to download it from Microsoft's Web site?
No, you don't need to download ICS, as it's included with Windows 98 Second Edition. However, it doesn't get installed by default. You'll find it in the Control Panel — not under Network Connections, but in the Add/Remove Programs applet.
After opening the latter, go to the Windows Setup tab, select Internet Tools, and click Details. Select Internet Connection Sharing and click OK. Click OK again and the system will start installing the new software.
At this point you may be prompted for your Win 98SE CD, so make sure you have it handy. Once ICS finishes installing, just reboot your PC and configure the host and client systems to use it; complete instructions for configuring Internet Connection Sharing for both the host and client(s) can be found at this Microsoft page.
Today's first question, however, prompts a suggestion: Unless your daughter's PC is in the same room as yours, you might want to consider investing in a low-cost wireless router (and WLAN adapter for your daughter's computer) instead. Such devices are easier to configure and would give you the ability to move the PC around or add new ones without having to trip over wires. Good luck!
