networking question

[dcman]

sorry it this has been asked already.....

if i have 2 computers, one with 2 network cards, and i use a network cable to connect the 2 computers together (sorry, forgot what this was called), will it slow the connection down. Is this a good and cheap solution for networking or should i just get a router. Also, what is a good cheap router for connecting just 2 computers to the internet.

[Midknyte]

just got back in the office. whew!

just get a router. you would need to set up ICS plus the host system (the one with 2 nics) would have to be on in order for the second computer to get internet connection. lame!

[cat5e]

Link: Basic Options for Internet Connection Sharing. (http://www.anandtech.com/guides/viewfaq.html?i=105)

Link: Hubs, routers, switches, DSL, LANs, WANs...? (http://www.anandtech.com/guides/viewfaq.html?i=48)

Ignore the prices in the links above. The same or similar hardware can be found for 60%-90% less.

Installed system should look like this.

Link: Diagram of Broadband Connection with Cable/DSL Router. (http://www.ezlan.net/~network/router.jpg)