Network Problem

[Flash]

My friend and I are trying to link up our PC's. We have got some cat5 cable (100m) with the RJ45 connectors. We both have NE2000 ISA cards, I am running 98, him 95. We have set up everything that we think we should have but we still can't see each other's computers. Can anyone give me a run down on exactly what we should have in every aspect so we can check it. If this doesn't work then the only thing I can think of is that it could be the cable.
We want to use the network to play games, share printers and maybe internet. Later on we want to expand the set-up to include 4 PC's, we know we will have to get a hub for this but we will cross that bridge when we come to it.
What is a crossover cable that I keep hearing about, it it different to the cable we have, and do we need it or not.
I am experienced with computers but I just do not have a clue about networking.
Please help!
Cheers in advance.

[a Bill]

Hmm, that's an awful lot of cable. Oh well, what you need to do is use a crossover cable or a hub and two cables. Try this URL, page three will be especially pertenant.

anandtech.com/html/review_display.cfm?document=207

[emcron]

What you need is a crossover cable, go to where ever you got the rest of you stuff and ask for it. But if you are planning ti expand then just get regular cat5(not crossover) and a hub.
And here is a great site that will take you step by step on how to put together a network with 2 or more.
http://www.homepcnetwork.com/

[hsuia]

Sometimes Windows tells the user that an IRQ setting is available that by some reason a network card cannot use. If everything fails, I would try changing the IRQ settings of one or both cards.

hsuia

[Flash]

Fantastic!
I'll let you nkow how it goes when I get the right cable.

Thanks again.