How do I connect 2 computers to play games?

[David M]

I am building a new gaming machine so I can connect it to my current gaming machine (see below) so I can play games against my son in the same room. I also plan to play online against others with my son also playing the same game online. I already have a 1.5 mbps cable connection. Whats the best way to do this? Set up a LAN? Set up a wireless network? I'm looking for a way the data will be transfered fast so there is no game lag and a way that won't cost me hundereds of dollars if possible.

Thanks

[lil Jimmie]

Get a router, it's your choice on a wireless router but see to it has wired ports for gaming and fast dependable file trasfer speeds.

[DragonNOA1]

Get a nice 4 port linksys wired router that will have your modem connect to your router and from your router connect to each of your machines. With this you are able to play against each other as well as play others on the net.

[Prew]

Wireless network is plenty fast enough for gaming as it is significantly faster than a broadband internet connection (differences in speed between this and wired connections are noticable when you transfer large files). Keep in mind that if you are planning to play with your son on lan or online you will probably need two copies of most games- particularly if the games have authentication keys or utilize Steam (ugh). There are some older games that you only need one copy of- but I can't think of any new games that you will not need two copies.