There are 100's of software based connection sharing solutions out there. Many of them are better than any broadband router on the market. Support for logging, application support, rules, content control etc are sometimes generations above any broadband router. There ARE some things you need to know though.

First, the free solutions are also the most simple. Microsoft has ICS built into many of it's operating systems but it does not support many advanced applications. It does not even work with NetMeeting or MSN Messenger - two Microsoft products! Retail solutions are often more robust but of course - they cost. If you only have two computers, be sure to check out the retail packages because many are free for small two-computer networks.

Second, the server must always be turned on. If the software that shares your internet connection is down, none of your computers can reach the internet. This is where broadband routers win - they are 'always on'.

Third, more features means harder to configure. More often then not, the 100's of configuration options found in the more robust connection sharing software can be confusing - even to a seasoned network guy like me. Basic setups are almost always easy but beyond that it usually gets technical.

Fourth, you are going to need two network cards in the computer connected to the broadband modem - or only one if using a dial-up modem.  Two network cards are hard to get running because of IRQ conflicts.  I always recommend getting  USB Ethernet network adapter for your broadband connection to minimuze IRQ hassles.

 

 ...falls into a few basic categories

  Using Linux as a broadband router

  Simple / Free solutions for Windows

  Retail / Robust solutions for Windows

  Software solutions for Macintosh

A Linux computer makes a great broadband router.  Any Linux workstation can be configured to route internet traffic. -OR- if you have an old 486 or Pentium lying around, you can stick two network cards in it and use the floppy drive to boot a 'micro-distribution' that will turn a computer into a router - even if the computer does not have a hard drive!  Read more here

Microsoft provides a free internet sharing solution in Windows 98SE, ME, 2000 and XP. It is called Microsoft ICS. Learn about it here. Other solutions include:

Analog-X Proxy link

WinGate (link) - free for 2 users!

Remember, since these solutions are free; the often have very few features or support options.  If all you need to do is browse the web on a few computers and check e-mail then these free solutions might be right for you.

WinGate (link) - free for 2 users!

NAT32 ( link)

NetGuard-5 ( link)

Surf Doubler (link)

WinProxy ( link)

SolidShare (link)

ProxyPlus link

See this page for software based connection sharing solutions for Macs but remember, Mac's can use broadband routers too!