Make 2 computers one?

Darkfox3393 · 02-25-2006, 02:43 PM

I have in my home an old computer being unused and my new computer I am using. The old computer has a lot more PCI slots than the one I am currently using. I was wondering if there was a way I could connect them somehow and make it so I can use both of their components. This is a bit hard to explain. I want to be able to have PCI cards in my old computer and be able to use them on my new computer. Is this possible? Thanks for any help.

Chevy · 02-25-2006, 07:56 PM

I've never seen a solution that provides this.

Darkfox3393 · 02-25-2006, 09:11 PM

I take it that probably means it's impossible?

**johnwill** · 02-26-2006, 09:10 AM

You take it correctly. There is no way you're going to do that.

Darkfox3393 · 02-26-2006, 11:52 AM

Ok then. How about a different question. I am goin gto give an example ot explain my question though. ok. I have a modem in my old computer. I connect my old computer and my new one. Can I connect to the interenet thruough the old ones modem? Thank you.

**johnwill** · 02-27-2006, 08:15 AM

If you use ICS (Internet Connection Sharing) and network them, the answer is yes.

Darkfox3393 · 02-27-2006, 04:50 PM

Ok another question. My New computer is connnected to our LAN through the inegrated ethernet slot. If I connect my old and new computer through a ethernet card can my old computer connect to the LAN through my new one? thanks again for all the help.

ebackhus · 02-27-2006, 05:46 PM

If you have a router it'd be a much more efficient system and wouldn't require one to be online so that the other can be as well.

Darkfox3393 · 02-27-2006, 06:34 PM

Well its just that my router's slots are all taken up....

Volt-Schwibe · 02-28-2006, 04:24 AM

what you are referring to works fine.

for example...

my main machine, has 2 network cards in it, one connects to the lan, with a straight cable, the other one connects to the laptop with a crossover.

then, on my main machine, i highlighted both of the connections, in the connection properties panel, and right clicked, and chose "bridge"

works perfectly fine, as if my other machine was on it's own cable.

this is not optimal, but as rarely as i use my laptop, it's a fine solution.

it still might not even be a problem for you.

**johnwill** · 02-28-2006, 01:25 PM

A $15 Ethernet switch solves the problem of all the router ports being taken up and is a MUCH better solution.

Darkfox3393 · 02-28-2006, 09:42 PM

So by connecting my main and old computers through ethernet cards and bridging connections, my old computer can be fully operational on the network with all of my computers? ANd if my old computer has a modem, I can successfully connect to the internet through that modem on my main computer? Thank you all for the help.

**johnwill** · 03-01-2006, 01:18 PM

Like I said, a $15 switch does the job MUCH better and won't require you to have an odd-ball configuration and leave the computer on all the time to route to the secon done.

Darkfox3393 · 03-01-2006, 05:38 PM

Well its just that its not such a big deal even to get a $15 item. Im kinda just using amterials I've got around the house to make the best of it.

Volt-Schwibe · 03-01-2006, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkfox3393

So by connecting my main and old computers through ethernet cards and bridging connections, my old computer can be fully operational on the network with all of my computers? ANd if my old computer has a modem, I can successfully connect to the internet through that modem on my main computer? Thank you all for the help.

yes, but like i said, it's not optimal.

if you already have the crossover cable, and the extra lan cord, then it isn't the worst idea, it will just be a bit slow. (at least, you could do it this way for the moment, and get a switch on payday?)

but, johnwill is totally correct, you will see smoother operation, less hassle, and faster speeds, if you use a network switch to accomplish this.

and i don't mean to step on your toes johnwill, as i completely agree that a switch is the best way, i just don't like the idea that the best way is the only way. there is alot of lesser ways, and although they are lesser, sometimes, due to the parts on hand, they are the easier way.

so i hope you don't take any offense to anything i say.

**johnwill** · 03-02-2006, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkfox3393

Well its just that its not such a big deal even to get a $15 item. Im kinda just using amterials I've got around the house to make the best of it.

Whatever floats your boat.

Darkfox3393 · 03-03-2006, 06:45 PM

What are the differences and benefits of using a crossover cable vs a switch?

02-25-2006, 02:43 PM	#1 (permalink)
Darkfox3393 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 335 OS: Windows Vista Ultimate My System	Make 2 computers one? I have in my home an old computer being unused and my new computer I am using. The old computer has a lot more PCI slots than the one I am currently using. I was wondering if there was a way I could connect them somehow and make it so I can use both of their components. This is a bit hard to explain. I want to be able to have PCI cards in my old computer and be able to use them on my new computer. Is this possible? Thanks for any help. Last edited by Darkfox3393; 02-25-2006 at 02:44 PM.

02-26-2006, 09:10 AM	#4 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,685 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	You take it correctly. There is no way you're going to do that. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

02-27-2006, 08:15 AM	#6 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,685 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	If you use ICS (Internet Connection Sharing) and network them, the answer is yes. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

02-27-2006, 05:46 PM	#8 (permalink)
ebackhus Manager, Design Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: SATX Posts: 14,255 OS: WinXP Pro SP3/Windows 7 RTM My System Blog Entries: 28	If you have a router it'd be a much more efficient system and wouldn't require one to be online so that the other can be as well. __________________ ----------------------------- There are no dumb questions, unless a customer is asking them. Help in the fight against cancer and other serious illnesses.

02-28-2006, 04:24 AM	#10 (permalink)
Volt-Schwibe Asst. Manager, Automotive Forums; HJT Trainee Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Behind you, watching you as you type. Posts: 7,372 OS: Click "My System" to view details My System	what you are referring to works fine. for example... my main machine, has 2 network cards in it, one connects to the lan, with a straight cable, the other one connects to the laptop with a crossover. then, on my main machine, i highlighted both of the connections, in the connection properties panel, and right clicked, and chose "bridge" works perfectly fine, as if my other machine was on it's own cable. this is not optimal, but as rarely as i use my laptop, it's a fine solution. it still might not even be a problem for you. __________________ <signature> TSF is funded by our Admin's pocket, care to help? Power Tip: Subscribe to your thread (Thread Tools) to receive an instant email notification when you get a reply. New Members: Creating a single new thread in the correct section is the best way to assure your thread will receive a reply. </signature>

02-25-2006, 07:56 PM	#2 (permalink)
Chevy Retired Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Notlob Posts: 5,452 OS: Vista Ultimate My System	I've never seen a solution that provides this.

02-25-2006, 09:11 PM	#3 (permalink)
Darkfox3393 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 335 OS: Windows Vista Ultimate My System	I take it that probably means it's impossible?

02-26-2006, 11:52 AM	#5 (permalink)
Darkfox3393 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 335 OS: Windows Vista Ultimate My System	Ok then. How about a different question. I am goin gto give an example ot explain my question though. ok. I have a modem in my old computer. I connect my old computer and my new one. Can I connect to the interenet thruough the old ones modem? Thank you.

02-27-2006, 04:50 PM	#7 (permalink)
Darkfox3393 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 335 OS: Windows Vista Ultimate My System	Ok another question. My New computer is connnected to our LAN through the inegrated ethernet slot. If I connect my old and new computer through a ethernet card can my old computer connect to the LAN through my new one? thanks again for all the help.

02-27-2006, 06:34 PM	#9 (permalink)
Darkfox3393 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 335 OS: Windows Vista Ultimate My System	Well its just that my router's slots are all taken up....

02-28-2006, 01:25 PM	#11 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,685 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	A $15 Ethernet switch solves the problem of all the router ports being taken up and is a MUCH better solution. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

02-28-2006, 09:42 PM	#12 (permalink)
Darkfox3393 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 335 OS: Windows Vista Ultimate My System	So by connecting my main and old computers through ethernet cards and bridging connections, my old computer can be fully operational on the network with all of my computers? ANd if my old computer has a modem, I can successfully connect to the internet through that modem on my main computer? Thank you all for the help.

03-01-2006, 01:18 PM	#13 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,685 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Like I said, a $15 switch does the job MUCH better and won't require you to have an odd-ball configuration and leave the computer on all the time to route to the secon done. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

03-01-2006, 05:38 PM	#14 (permalink)
Darkfox3393 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 335 OS: Windows Vista Ultimate My System	Well its just that its not such a big deal even to get a $15 item. Im kinda just using amterials I've got around the house to make the best of it.

03-03-2006, 06:45 PM	#17 (permalink)
Darkfox3393 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 335 OS: Windows Vista Ultimate My System	What are the differences and benefits of using a crossover cable vs a switch?