Advise me! Please.

Hi,
We have 2 PCs. One runs on XP and has a telewest broadband cable internet connection and a printer and the other runs on 98 second edition. We want to set up a wired home network so that both computers can access the internet, use the printer and share files. The Xp PC has a "VIA Rhine II Fast Ethernet Adapter" and the 98 PC has a "DAVICOM 9120/A PCI Fast Ethernet Adapter". For the lowest price, what equipment is needed? Do I just need an ethernet crossover cable?

If you need any more information don't hesitate to ask.

Thankyou.

If you only want the two computers in the network, then you don't need to buy anything else. Just connect the computers directly together with the crossover cable.

If, in the future, you may want to add new computers to the network, then you'll need to buy a switch. Connect each computer to the switch using standard straight-through cables (not crossover). Switches are pretty cheap, so I'd recommend this option to you can upgrade in the future.

Just go get a Linksys 4 port wired router, it connect directly to your modem. All you need to do is run rj45's from your computers to the router and you can shared internet/files between the computers.

Also, I think there is versions that have print servers build directly in. Otherwise you can just connect it to one computer and print from both.