Microsoft recognised the growing popularity of home networks and first implemented Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) in Windows 98. This feature (much improved) is also available in Windows XP.

ICS lets you connect one computer to the Internet by whatever means (modem, DSL, ISDN or cable) and share that connection with any other Windows 98/ME computer on the network. Though simple in theory, the first implementation of ICS proved problematic for many users. Windows 98 v.2 improved ICS, and Windows XP makes it even simpler.

• Windows 98
• Windows 2000
• Windows XP