connect 2pcs w/ wires

[jdowling80]

hi i want to connect my two computers. they are right across from each other so it seems pointless to go wireless. Do i just get 2 network cards or should i get a router. I want to be able to share files and my printer plus my cable internet. Is thre a speed difference. thanks.

[bailey]

ok, the best way to do what your wanting is to get a router , connect the cable modem to the router wain port, then connect a cat-5 cable from the switch eathernet ports on the back of the router, one cable to each computer, the computer may or may not have a rj-45 eathernet port, which will let you know if they have a network interface card or not, you need to look see.
if it does, connect one cable to each computer there.
if it don't have one, then you need to get one, but there very cheap.
then just follow the instructions that come with the router.
if you have any questions , come here and ask.

[jdowling80]

they both have ethernet ports. can i still share files and the printer through the router.

[bailey]

yes, that is what the router is for, it allows you to have all the computers you want (up to 250) connected as what is called a local area network, with that all the computers can connect to each other and share what ever they want to share with each other, also it allows each one to connect to the internet all at the same time, shareing includes printers too.

[jdowling80]

ok thanks. any suggestion on a router. and is a cat-5 cable just an ethernet cable

[bailey]

yes, cat 5 cable is a standard eathernet cable with rj-45 connectors on each end.

I like the linksys brand the best, I use the WRT54G which is a wireless router with a built in 4 port switch.
you can get that one and not use the wireless part untill some day you may wish to.
or you could get the wired one if you want to, but I think the wireless might be at a better price, you should look at the linksys sight for the differant models, this one can be had at your local wal-mart store.