If you have multiple PCs, it doesn't make sense for each computer to have its own dedicated Internet link. Fortunately, all of your PCs can share a single connection, by using Windows' built-in Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) software.

To begin, you'll need to link your PCs together in a network. (See "Set Up a Network in a Snap" in our January 2002 issue.) You will also need a working Internet connection.

A dial-up connection is usually acceptable for a network of two or three PCs. Broadband is a necessity for a larger network, or for heavy downloading. ICS can work with a broadband connection, but you should consider purchasing a router ("Wireless Networks That Do More") instead.

ICS is available for Windows 98, Me, 2000, XP Home, and XP Professional. We recommend using an XP-based system as the ICS computer; the example shown here uses XP Home. For information on setting up an ICS PC using other versions of Windows, go to Help and then search for Internet Connection Sharing.

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