Internet connection shareing

I 've read that it's possible to set up 2 laptops to share the same internet connection using the windows internet connection shareing tool.I was wondering if once set up how easy would it be to undo so that each laptop can connect independantly in the absence of the other.

I'm assuming you're using a USB modem, and have the laptops connected by wireless or a wired network.
You'd need to have the USB modem drivers installed on both laptops, and have the internet connection settings (i.e. username and password) the same on both laptops.
You'd then need to connect the modem into whichever laptop is switched on.
Setting up ICS on both laptops (allowing each one to share it's internet connection with others) will allow either one to connect via the other.
It's all a little fiddly, and ICS isn't the best way to have internet on more than one PC, which is why many people are changing over to ADSL wireless modem/routers.
Why not invest in a wireless ADSL modem/router (such as the Netgear DG834G, GT or PN, or Speedtouch 585, etc.) these can be bought for as little as

Thanks, I haven't set anything up yet but I have a speedtouch USB modem which I want to share with another laptop.Going wireless sounds a good idea, but do I have to install network cards and set up networks to do it, or can we just connect with a usb adaptor
in each PC.?

USB wireless adaptor in each PC will do the job, so long as your PCs have USB2.0 ports (as USB1.0 & 1.1 will limit your wireless speed).

Thanks Ade, that sounds good to me,I've been thinking about getting a wireless router for a while but I was worried about having to set up networks etc to do it.
So all I need is a wireless router with a built in modem and a USB wireless adapter for each PC ?

Well, if you join computers together you have a network. If you use USB widgets then they will appear as network devices. But please don't be daunted by "networking" - it's not as mysterious as you appear to fear.

Thanks, it's more petrified of than in fear of, lol. I sometimes even have problems installing drivers.

I've just been to the netgear website and read the set up manual for a dg834 and it says to connect the ethernet lead to a PC. Does it have to be set up like that or can each PC just receive the wireless signal direct from the router via usb adapters without any wires being involved at all?Maybe I'm looking at the wrong product.

IMHO, it's always best to set up a wireless router via a wired connection. Firstly, the wireless feature may not be switched on by default. Secondly, if you want to use wireless then you should set up its security features to prevent your neighbours using your BB connection. And when you enable the security on the router, it will stop talking to the wireless adapter until this is set up using the same security system and keys, so it's quite easy to lock yourself out.

And some activities, such as updating the router's firmware, are really only safe to do via a wired connection. I doubt you'll find a wireless router to which none of these considerations apply. The netgear is probably one of the easier ones on the market to set up.

Thanks, i'll be ok if it's all done by wizards etc but if i have to manually enter settings i'll be totaly lost.