DescentBB

I would like to be able to connect two different computers to the Internet through a cable modem without a router but never have them connected at the same time.

Is there a switch I can purchase that I could connect the two computers to and install it before the modem?

its doable, yes. check to see how IP's your ISP would provide you, you might just get 2 IPs for free.

just buy a switch, and plug all three devices into it.

I'd advise to make sure you have a software firewall on all computers that would be connected thusly.

I looked around and didn't see an "A/B" type switch that would except Cat5 cable.

That is possible, but I really doubt anyone makes a product for it. Just use a router and unplug the computer you don't want connected.

or, buy a switch, and follow the rest of Krom's advice.

Never have them connected at the same time? Why not?!

What about "encrypting" folders, is that fairly secure?

buy a router.

or, better yet, sit down, think about what you want to do with your network, and then get back to us.

What you want to do makes no logical sense. Explain your situation to us.

"What about "encrypting" folders, is that fairly secure?"

If you're worried about a person on one of the computers getting into the other, such security is almost inherent in NT-based operating systems (NT4, win2k, xp). hmm, more info would be great, in particular what OS you plan on running on the two machines, and what exactly you are trying to prevent from happening.

The concern for my accountant friend is virus or spying over the net, not from inside.

She has a Dell running XP and a Compaq running 98.

She only wants her business computer connected to the net when she has to upload or download tax info.

I was trying to come up with an easy way for her to do that and "feel" secure.

I was wondering if encrypting would stop some from getting into her business folders through her cable connection.

I think her best bet would be a router and then she could still unplug her business computer from it if that would make her feel more secure.

Does that make sense?

Get a NAT router with a firewall. It is realistically as effective as unplugging the computer from the net. When these computers are behind NAT routers as far as anyone on the net can tell you do not exist, tell her that.

A router will do more to keep people out of her folders then encrypting them ever could.

Thanks

I have a cable modem, 3 PCs, and a switch. My primary PC has 2 NICs in it and on one NIC I have my LAN set up (5 port switch). On the 2nd NIC I have my cable modem and I have internet connection sharing enabled. It works just fine ...