Internet Connect Sharing Part 1
ICS - what it is, why you need it, how to set it up. Ian Waugh gets connected...
ICS or Internet Connection Sharing is one of the greatest features to be implemented in Windows. It allows several networked computers to access the Internet simultaneously using just one Internet connection.
You need ICS if you have more than one computer and both are used to connect to the Internet. You especially need ICS if you have a broadband connection, but you still benefit if you use a dial-up modem particularly if you have a 24/7 service such as that offered by AOL and others.
Net benefits
The main advantage is simply being able to access the Internet from any computer at any time without having to check if another computer is already on the net. As well as preventing domestic disputes, it allows you to use different computers for different purposes such as email, general surfing, data collection, Internet gaming and so on.
Another major benefit is simply being able to use a second computer for surfing while the main ICS computer provides the connection. It's not uncommon to run into badly-written web sites, particularly those which use Java or Flash which can lock-up or crash your machine.
If this happens on a single computer you have to reboot, losing your Internet connection. If this happens on a secondary computer you can simply reboot it leaving the Internet connection on the other one intact.
You can implement ICS between PCs and Macs, too, so if there's an Mac in the house, they can join in, too.
Needs and wants
To implement ICS you need more than one computer - of course! - and they must be networked together. If you have wondered what benefits networking would give you, ICS is definitely one! Networking is, however a slightly different subject which we won't be covering here. However, it's fairly easy to set up an Ethernet network and if you have more than one machine it's well worth doing. For simple networking, you may also be able to set up a simple USB network.
ICS is implemented in Windows 98 SE, Windows ME, Windows 2000 and Windows XP. The basic procedure for setting up is similar although details vary a little from one operating System to another. ICS is easier to set up on Win 2000 and XP and Win 98.
The details may also vary on the Mac from one OS to another but it's still easy to set up as we'll see later.
Host with the most
One machine must be designated as the ICS host. This is the primary machine with the Internet connection and is known as the "ICS computer", gateway or server. You only set up ICS on this machine.
For this, select the machine that gets the least use and on which fewest changes are made (such as installing and removing software). This is simply to ensure a more stable connection and one less liable to crashing.
Whatever your type Internet connection and for however long you're connected, it's essential to use a personal Firewall of some description. We recommend Zone Alarm. However, if you are on line for long periods and several computers are connected then it's absolutely essential that you use a Firewall.
You can set up one Firewall on the ICS computer and while this will prevent unauthorised access to your network, it may not always prevent the other computers sending data to the Internet. To be doubly sure, give each computer its own Firewall. (This is another topic which we don't have room to discuss here more fully.)
Harder wearing
Although we haven't got to the software installation yet - coming up in the next part - it's worth pointing out that heavy-duty users might prefer a hardware router. For example, take a look at NetGear's FR318 which combines a router with a network hub and Firewall.
However, you might like to try the free ICS option first so tune in for the next instalment...
