need some input

[onewave4me]

i have recently ordered a cable connection for the internet and get it next wensday--I would like to network three computers--two desktop and one laptop to share this connection but have no idea how--guess i shoulda been doing some research but figured i was too far out to ever get dsl but now the cable company is offering it

one desktop runs win XP pro the other win me--the laptop is running xp pro also and thinkin id like a wireless for it--the desktops are within 8' of each other.

the problem is i don't know what to get--i hope to get some suggestions with names and types of routers . cards etc --basically a list of what i need.

thanks for any input!
Mike

[omendata]

Linksys wireless router and linksys wireless cards - 3 pci & 1 pcmcia/card.
1 utp cable.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00005ARK3/104-8821616-7005565?v=glance

[BipolarBill]

I would save some change and just get wireless for the laptop. Since the two desktops are only 8' apart, use the same router but cable it up.

[omendata]

Bills right - thats what the extra utp cable is for - wire one pc up - if you like it that way just have the laptop as wireless and cable the other three up but by the sound of your post you want a wireless network - personally its an all or nothing for me too , Ive decided to get rid of my cabled network and go wireless.

[cat5e]

It all depends on self confidence and level of anxiety.

NIC for free: 10/100 PCI Network Card, free after rebate. (http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0111239)

PCMCIA:EZ Connect 802.11b Wireless PCMCIA Network Adapter. $9.99 (after rebate). (http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0159213)

Wired Router:
EtherEngine 400-R 4 Port Cable/DSL Broadband Router. $7.99 after rebate. (http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0142685)

Wireless Router: Wireless 4 Port Cable/DSL Gateway Router. $19.99 after rebate. (http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0151877)

Inexpensive cables: CAT5 Cables. (http://www.microcenter.com/search_results_e.phtml?coordinate_group=A5E4&search_id=35ab409a08f8f81e3001122b05dfd67e&page=2)

Q: Is it better or worse than Linksys?

A: It is similar!