When I had my DSL line set up I only had one PC and was given a Netgear router/modem with only one port. I bought a switch, ran the DSL cable to the switch and then two cables to either PC to connect them to the internet. I therefore cannot network the PC's in the normal way. I have been told that I can still network the PC's as they are connected to the switch. If this is so I need instructions on how to do this because as a newbie I have no idea. The one PC is running Vista Home Basic and the other XP Home. I would be extremely grateful if someone could give me a step by step method of doing this. It would be easy to get someone in to do this but I believe the best way to learn is to do it oneself.
Your advice would be greatly appreciated
Thank you
minder47

Who is your DSL service provider?

Step one, tell them that you need a multi-port DSL router to accommodate at least one additional PC.

Also, check to see if the router you have now can accommodate one wireless port and one hardwired port.

Once you get that information, come on back to us and let us know what you have.

I have a router (5 port) connecting to: The cable modem, 2 PCs and a switch on the other end of the house, I have 3 PCs connected to the switch.

I have my router set up to assign IP addresses via DHCP and set each computer to "Obtain IP address automatically". That should work for you, if not come back and we'll try something else.