Questions about creating a home network
 

Just a couple of questions that should be pretty easy, I'm a bit of a network newbie.

I have 2 computers with Windows XP Pro and network cards. Which kind of cable do I need to connect these computers together in a way that will allow me to play network games?

I should be getting 256k ADSL soon and I was wondering how do I set up the network so I can share the internet and maybe share the printer?

Many thanks to anyone who can clarify this for me. :D

You can just go from network card to network card with a crossover cable...but if your getting dsl you might as well buy a router so you'll be ready for when you get dsl. Then you would use two normal *straight through* cables

Many thanks, Merkerguitars.

You'll need a DSL router and a few lengths of Cat 5 networking cable. Plug the cable into into each computer, and then straight into the Router. If you have a DSL modem AND a seperate Router, then plug the modem into the uplink port on the Router using Cat 5 cable also.

If the printer is plugged into either computer, you should be able to access it from either computer on the network.

This will be MUCH easier since both computers have Windows XP. It's usually plug-and-play with broadband and XP. Keep in mind that you need a Router, not a Hub. A hub is good for networks, but for Internet connection sharing, you must have a Router.

-Lasereth

Definitely go with something like a Linksys router, which you can get at any cmoputer store, or online. SInce your going to eventually get an ADSL, better to get the router now, so when it shows up, you can connect it to the router, and have both machines connected to the internet.

check with the isp to see how many ips you get.. you could just get a hub (alot cheaper) and then hook it up the same way, the difference is it wont have a firewall built in... my isp only gives 2 ips and i have many more then that so i need the router