I'm looking for a CHEAP! networking solution. I'm thinking of putting my old computer (AMD K6-3 400 Mhz, Win 98) in the garage to :
1) Read the parts CD's and FSM CD's I have without having to go into the house or printing them off.
2) Post to Yotatech while wrenching!
3) (optional) Stream mp3's from my main computer so I can play "my music" while wrenching.

I have an attached garage, but will likely need a good length of cable (50'-100') and my networking knowledge is am a bit rusty since the last network I created was between 2 486's using a null modem cable to play Doom, so I need some input.

First and foremost is I have to keep the costs to a minimum, and I'm willing to sacrifice streaming mp3's and a snappy connection to save cash. I'll never hear the end of it from my wife if I spend much money on "a computer for the garage ?!!?!?!?!?!?!?!"

I think I can scrounge up a couple of modems and miles of phone cable, but I'm not sure how to set up a modem to modem connection, or if that would even be the best solution . . . .

PS I'm running XP Pro on my oter internet-connected computer if that helps with networking options.

 

Honestly, the easiest thing to do is setup a wireless network in toyr house...It's cheaper then you may think.

At newegg.com you can get the following:

D-Link DI-514 Wireless router: $44.99 - ($20 Mail-In Rebate) = $24.99
D-Link DWL-520 Wireless PCI Card: $39.99 - ($10 Mail-In Rebate) = $29.00

If your main computer doesn't already have an ethernet adapter you can pick up this one:

Gigafast EE100-AXP PCI: $4.00

So, your network would look something like this:

Main Computer ---[via wired CAT5]--->Router ~~~[ via wireless 802.11b]~~~Garage Computer

 

I would just buy a small switch and hook them both up via that way. Also you would need two NIC cards, I think I might have some extra lying around here somewhere. That would be the cheap way out. I think you can pick up a small network switch for under $50.00. If thats all you want to do is hook up both of the pcs, then thats all you'd need besides the cat5. Hopefull I'm not forgetting anything....

 

Wireless is great but I had some trouble with getting a decent signal if it is too far away from the router or separated by too many walls / levels. The new 2.4Ghz systems are much better reception but they are also much more expensive too.

Sure fire way is to get 2 ethernet cards (one in each computer) and then either use a switch router (or a gateway router if you have highspeed internet) or even use just a cross over cable (only if you are just connecting the 2 computers). Cross over cable way is very cheap and all you need is the correct length of cable to go between them.

Here's a good link for it:
http://www.jimthompson.net/xphome/Two_Computers.htm