how to make a computer to function as a router

[Python]

On Mon, 2006-02-06 at 09:50 -0500, Zhao Peng wrote:
> I heard that it's possible to make A a router, so that I connect B to
> A via a Cat5 cable (not interested in wireless), and then both A and B
> can get online at the same time 

I think you'll find it simpler to get an inexpensive ethernet router
rather than configure your linux box as the router.  

You should be able to google some step-by-step instructions, but a lot
of the Linux advice in this area is dated/obsolete.  (At a minimum, I
think the advice should be using iptables and *not* ipchains.)  I've
done this kind of setup in the past.  It can be useful for self
education, but can be quite a time sink and can complicate network
usage.  The laptop (B) will depend on server A working reliably for its
network connection.  An inexpensive, solid-state routing device is
usually preferable.

The Linksys WRT54GL is a linux based router with 4 LAN ports and
wireless (which can be disabled) for ~ $70.

-- 
Lloyd Kvam
Venix Corp