This is a switch that allows two computers to be viewed one at a time on one monitor. You are simply switching between the computers. You do not need internet to use this switch. If you want to be on line, then one or both of your computers would need to have their own internet connection. The computers act independently of each other, you cannot move information from one to the other, it simply provides you with the capability to view and work in one computer at a time. It is a really cool thing to have if you like to keep information separate, like work and home and hobbies, or old and new programs. If you have an older tower and don't want to move all of your older 32 bit programs over to the new 64 bit system, you may easily access (view) your old computer information by simply turning it on once you hook it up. Then, if you want the info you may copy it to a disc or thumb drive and bring it to your newer computer, or email it to yourself from one computer to the other. Again this switch just allows you to "view."