If you have more then one computer at home, you may be considering a home network. This would allow you to share one internet connection between multiple computers.
These instructions are for those with Windows XP Professional on the main computer, and XP Pro or XP Home on the other computers.
You will need.
1 Network Card or Port on each PC (Desktop or laptop)
1 Network Hub, Router or Switch.
Cat 5 Ethernet Network cable.
You can either purchase the cat 5 ethernet cable in premanufactured lengths or you can create your own. Purchasing his highly advisable unless you plan on installing more then one network. example: home, work, friends and family...
A used network hub will do fine. If you find one used without the power supply block, you can usually find a power adapter at an electronics supply store.
Most modern computers (Laptops and Desktops) come with a 10/100 ethernet port in the back of them, however if you need to purchase one, you can get them for as little as $25 new, or less used.
When selecting your ethernet card, ensure that it will access the bandwidth you will require of it.
While you will have limited bandwidth, having additional bandwidth will be helpful if you decide to allow other computers access to larger files on the network.
