My sister shares an apartment with 3 other people and they need good internet bad.

What's the best way about doing this?

I know of the simplest way which is:

have a router connected to a modem
*have computers pick up wireless from router
or
*Connect computers to router

If they would like to all get both wireless and wired, would connecting all of them to a router work or would it work better with something like a switch or something?


Also, what would be a good cost efficient router for them?

Let me know,
Thanks

I personal would go for a broadband router and wire each PC up to the router. Wireless IMO is insecure, so I would go for wired, however some people may disagree.

If you already have a computer that is connected to the Internet, you could use that as a router, then use a switch. However, with this option the computer that is connected to the Internet will need to be switched on.

If you do go wireless, my suggestion is to enable encryption, which will be your first line of defence, then enable MAC address filtering. This will only allow computers that you specify to access the network. Anyone wanting to use the access point will either need ask permission or spoof their MAC address.

I'd second hamsey. Remember with wireless you will be sharing 54mb (which half duplex - ie 22mb each way) with 4 people and if you need to share files... slowness.

I wish I could get reasonable wireless or service. I live in an area that does not provide anything other than dialup or very expensive dsl..

Wireless isn't insecure if you enable the proper encryption. If you choose good keys and use the latest encryption methods (meaning no WEP ), then there's no reasonable way someone can sniff your traffic.

But if you can, I would go wired because of the speed and ease of setup.

I have wireless in my house, I have two computers on direct connect and the 3 up stairs on wireless. I'm always have problems with the wireless. Never any problem with the other two. I would suggest a router.

Get a wireless router. With a router, you can have the computers directly plugged in into the wireless router, or use the wireless router.
Wireless routers are so cheap nowadays. You can get the Wireless B and save a lot of money.

Thanks a lot fellas

If all computers are in one room then go for wifi networking , backed by
5mbps conn.

Else get wired to a hub. Both ways you will enjoy.

Are you planning to share the drives on all three pc's also ?