Perhaps this is as easy as it would be for a second TV hooking up to a solitary cable-vision hook-up (i.e., a splitter), but I'm doubting it.

Since January/2000 I've used a computer with Windows 98. Initially, I had dial-up via Earthlink, and I still do for E-mail purposes. But I did eventually get cable for Internet surfing because of the fabulous speed.

Well, recently I obtained a new (refurbished) much superior processor and minimal extras, as well as a 21-inch refurbished Mistubishi CRT monitor that weighs about 90-lbs that came as an extra purchase--my first machine has a 15-inch monitor, so you can imagine the awesome spectacle of improvement! I immediately adopted the monitor on my old set-up just for the enjoyment!

The new machine has either Windows 2000 or 2002 (maybe even NT?), and obviously only the programmes the merchant provided it with--none of the many features that my old one has acquired over the years. So I do not want to just turn out the old beast into pasture-land.

Can I just use some sort of cable-splitter to hook-up my new acquisition for Internet cable purposes and primary use, and maybe use the CD that I still think that I have for Earthlink dial-up to download that programme into it for E-mail purposes? And then still use the old machine also, whenever I want. Is it really that simple to combine them both onto the one cable source for general Internet access? I'm not looking to "network" them in any true sense--I'm perfectly okay for them to basically operate independently, although I do want them to be sharing/hosting Earthlink E-mail, for I only access the dial-up for E-mail. It is otherwise disconnected. All of my old files and programmes would remain on my old machine, and I'd just download/accumulate new things on the new one. And anything I'd want to duplicate, I would.

Is this vision "retarded?"

No, thats not "retarded" Garnet

My DSL is shared in the same way. The only question, how do you connect to your cable box, you use a network cable? If you do it's easy. I've seen cable connections here but not there.

John

Garnet & Jack,

All you need is a router and you will have what you are looking for. Just check you local computer store and ask them what you want, they will steer you in the right direction. Many routers out there but most have hookups for 4 or more computers. I had 3 computers, Playstation2, and Xbox all hooked up, and I was set up wireless to boot. The 2 computers and Playstation were hooked up to the wireless router. The laptop and Xbox were set up for wireless.

Pop's

Yep, wireless is certainly the way forward, especially with prices as low as what they are now.

If a router will work, I'll check into that--maybe at RadioShack, or someplace similar.

John, when you ask how I am connected to the "cable box"--I'm not sure what this is. The cable itself is screwed into a threaded attachment at a wall socket (just as is the cablevision for the TV), and then it runs to a 'Motorola Surfboard Cable Modem' beside my computer that is always running. I understand that I can turn this modem off if I want to, but I like keeping both it and my computer on all of the time so that my screensaver slideshow of personal and Thai-related photos is always on display.

The reason that I keep the modem running is habit--the predecessor to the model I now have required that it be always running--well, at least according to the Rogers Cable-guy who set it up several years ago. But they replaced it about year back with this newer version that can be switched off--it looks pretty much like this:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00008Y1BX/104-7773601-3559919?v=glance&n=172282

The slideshow is not the only reason that I do not turn off my computer, though. When I'm done using it, I'll shut down and have it automatically re-start so that everything is refreshed. But if It shuts right down to a dead stop, then when I power it back on, it seems to have to go through a major re-set, and my computer's clock reverts back to around 1980. This is a consistent problem, and just not worth the hassle of going through. So I only shut down to a re-start, and do not go to a total dead shut-down.

Garnet wrote:
it seems to have to go through a major re-set, and my computer's clock reverts back to around 1980. This is a consistent problem, and just not worth the hassle of going through.

Sounds like the CMOS battery on your motherboard could be dead/dying Garnet, they are really cheap to buy and straight forward fitting.
not trying to hassle you

Stevo wrote:

Garnet wrote:
it seems to have to go through a major re-set, and my computer's clock reverts back to around 1980. This is a consistent problem, and just not worth the hassle of going through.

Sounds like the CMOS battery on your motherboard could be dead/dying Garnet, they are really cheap to buy and straight forward fitting.
not trying to hassle you

Old comp Garnet; the CMOS batteries are only guaranteed for 5 years or so. Take Stevo's advice. Very cheap to fix. Take the little round silver battery on your motherboard to a shop......and replace it.

As advised above, I am sure all you need is a router, but I know nothing about Canadian cable connections or what is on your cable box. From your picture, if the same, it has an ethernet socket as well as usb

So, connect from your cable box to a router (wireless or otherwise), connect to the router with network cables (cheaper) or wirelessly and you are away.

John