Firewall/Router with old computer?

[jumbojp]

What would be the cheapest and simplest way to use and old 486 66MHz computer as a router for a cable modem?

I would like to use it to route my cable connection to my main computer(upstairs) and my HTPC(downstairs) so I can transfer files between them, mainly MP3's.

It has Win98SE installed on it which runs slow but it works. I have Zone Alarm Pro I could use for the firewall.

What would be the easiest and most cost effective way to do this? What parts do I need?

Please be as thorough as possible cause I know next to nothing about networking!

Thanks:)

[Dave99]

Cheapest would be Linux, there is a distribution specifically for that purpose, I think it fits on a floppy. The simple solution would be find a good deal on whatever broadband router/switch that is on sale that week from SMC, linksys, dlink or netgear. That would be about 50 bucks probably.

Dave

[Dave99]

BTW, here is the link for a howto on the linux floppy firewall.
http://www.zdnet.com/products/stories/reviews/0,4161,2503199,00.html

Dave

[jumbojp]

Thanks for the link, I haven't read it yet, but it looks to be just what I needed:)

[mikehunt]

98se has Internet Connection Sharing
works great to share a cable modem

[jumbojp]

Well I browsed through that link and it seems a bit involved:)

Since WIN98SE is already on the computer how can I use it for this?

I was hoping it would be as simple as installing some hardware and software and routing the cable modem through the computer, and split the signal out to my other computers!

Can it be that simple?