Setting up home network

[ModelMaker1]

Hi Everyone,

I have two pc's that i want to network and be able to share a dial-up connection simultaneously. The better of the pc's is running windows 98 (not second edition) and the other pc (which i built out of leftover parts) is running windows xp. I have tried xp and personally don't like it so i decided to keep my windows98. I want the 98 pc to be the host and the xp to connect or share from it. I haven't bought any nic cards or home networking kit yet cause i wanted to be sure what i needed to do before i shell the money out. I do have a ethernet 10/T hub and several 25 ft. cat 5 cables if that method would be the better way to go. I don't quite understand some of the things i have read that talk about hardware driven versus software driven when wanting to share an internet connection. If i have left anything out that will help please feel free to contact me. Thanks a million!

[RampageIII]

Windows XP would configure your network more easily, but if you want 98 as the host you'll have to make sure that dial-up networking is installed on it (if network nieghborhood is on your desktop check the properties for it).

The two computers should each have a NIC card and the host (98) should have the modem. The hub would be fine, but if you only plan on the two pc's, you can just use a cross-over cable to connect them by the nic's.

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/ will give you the basics of setting up the network, then you can use the ICS software (Win 98 CD) for sharing the internet connection.

The hardware way would be a router/modem that would do the work of a switch and connection sharing. You'd still need nic cards for this setup.

Another good site http://www.wown.info/j_helmig/dcc.htm

[ModelMaker1]

I really don't want to use the crossover method due to i might add another machine in the future. Also is there a recommended nic card that i should use over another? I looked at some anypoint network kits and was wondering if any one was familiar with these or should i steer clear of these kind of kits and just maybe use the hub i have and some nic cards.

[crossedup]

analog x proxy

put that on your 98 machine for internet sharing, works great

youve already got hub and cables, just get some cards

not sure on brands, i have netgear, asound, d-link few others. havent noticed any differances