> I am fairly new to this stuff, ok here's is my question... I have a friend
> who is running windows xp pro sp2 on Earthlink dial up internet service.
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> connection, basically allowing her to access the internet through my
> computer.
A conditional "yes". The conditions are proximity, and AUP/TOS. The latter,
usually, prohibits such a sharing arranged. Technically, if the premises
are close enough to be within the 100m limit for wired Ethernet, or close
enough for 802.11 (etc.) wireless LAN, then it would be possible. Please,
consult your AUP/TOS (Acceptable Use Policy/Terms Of Service) first.
> This may sound dumb but i am new so please bare with me.
Only if your husband either: Doesn't mind, or isn't home! ;)
> What about using the virtural private network? can i do that? Is it
> possible. if anyone can give me a solution then that would be greatly
> apreciated. Once again i thanks to those for taking the time to read my
> message i know i am slow, but i want to learn some of the neat things that
> the computers can do these days.
There would be no point to VPN access over her dial-up connection because
the dial-up line would still be a choke point. Data only moves as fast as
the slowest link in the chain. 44kbps over the dial-up link between your
computers means 44kbps access for her.

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Norman
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