[Squashman]

What I meant by speed was you would be slowing down the person using the Windows PC, but yes a router should also be faster networking wise then a pc with ICS. All you really need is a switch, not another router. I have run 8 port linksys routers on our school's library when we needed extra network jacks. They are still running after two years. Have never had to power cycle them.

You have to be the first person I met who thinks ICS is better then a dedicated router. Well, I guess there are firsts for everything.

[I Fix 4 U]

Yes, I will agree to you there, I am a multi-sided person. For his case I'd just say a switch would be good, but at the front (tho quite unnecessary unless you have a larger network) a computer would be better IMO instead of just a router, unless it is a *very* pro router.

[codejockey]

Add my vote to the router/switch side of the discussion. Among other advantages, you don't have to run (in this case) the Windoze computer just to access the (remote or local) network. I've done it both ways, and will choose a router/switch solution every time, given the choice. That said, however, the info in the original post (tutorial) is still valuable -- it never hurts to have another tool in your toolbox.

[jiml8]

I used to connect my LAN to the net through my Linux box. Worked well.

I switched to a router appliance only because I am all the time messing with my computer and, when my messing would break it, my home LAN internet connection would go down, thus causing the rest of my family to give me dirty looks and say nasty things to me.

By going with a router appliance, they no longer threaten to poison me in my sleep.

That said, a Linux box makes a fine router - far better than an XP box.

I do believe that most of the router appliances that you can purchase are running an embedded Linux.

[I Fix 4 U]

or some proprietary system maybe a *nix variant.