How to network 2 computers off of one network drop

[Arinoth]

The NIC is already available, we have a spare laying around, not to mention i'm getting this second developer pc up and running anyways so the time spent is kinda moot. I doubt i'll end up being able to find or get a switch either.

[blaze_125]

do what you will.
ICS works, but ICS isn't the most viable option.
I would run a virtual machine before going ICS. Less clutter, only 1 keyboard and mouse, no need for twice the monitors and yaddi yaddi yadda
VMware Player is free and works awesome. But I realize VMs running off a desktop aren't always the best options pending what's being developed and tested. For stuff that doesn't require much horespower, VMs are the way to go.

[Arinoth]

I should have also mentioned i doubt i'll have the plug space for a switch as well

[JD]

Definitely don't use ICS. You'll likely f*** things up. ICS is basically a router with NAT, meaning that you'll now have an entirely different IP and thus probably won't have access back to corporate resources (network shares, AD, etc).

If you're going to interconnect the computers, just bridge the 2 NICs on the computer "sharing" it. This way both PCs will still pull IP's from the company's DHCP server.

Although you should really just get a switch or another network drop installed. And for power outlets, get a power bar?

[chrisk]

I would go switch plus a power bar if at all possible. If anything goes strange with the machine sharing the internet connection (ICS messed up, reboot/crash, etc) the you will affect the connection of the other machine. A switch is a simple plug and use,and really is the best solution here.

[roh_ultima]

also one thing no one has said, but you'll need a cross-over patch cable to connect the two computers to each other

maybe just ask the IT dept if they have an extra 4 port switch or not
honestly it is the easier solution, and i've seen ICS work one day and go silly the next with no changes done
and like someone already said, the first computer has to be on for the other to get a connection

which may or may not be an issue.
and really guys if the first one died, you just plug the cable directly into the 2nd one
how to make a mountain out of a tiny bump in the ground

[JD]

Originally Posted by roh_ultima

also one thing no one has said, but you'll need a cross-over patch cable to connect the two computers to each other

Very unlikely, unless the NICs in these computers are ancient. Things have been Auto-MDIX/Auto Sensing for quite some time now. You very rarely need a crossover cable these days.

[Arinoth]

Seems like a mute point now as they want me to just stick with the Win 7 developer machine.

[blaze_125]

Originally Posted by Arinoth

Seems like a mute point now as they want me to just stick with the Win 7 developer machine.

I smell VMware ;)

[LarkStarr]

you could just splice an ethernet cable into two if you wanted to too.