Assistance building LAN server

[storm1952]

I have 3 computers and want to use 1 as a local server. PIII 500, with 20gig hd and 256k ram is the box I want as server. Other 2 are currently connect to DSL thru hub and All Aboard software to share broadband. My thinking is to install an additional NIC in each and then connect those to server box using a hub. I want to use Win2k on server. I am currently running Win98SE on other systems.
I will install only business apps on server and free up hd space on the two computers. Use server to store and backup Office2000 and tax information.
Question: Would it be better to have server connected to DSL and then to 2 computers? Would that slow speeds? Can the server be connected to DSL (Bell PPPoE) and share it with other 2. Could the server then serve as the firewall.

Is my initial setup the best where I log into server from either 2 computers when I need to use those applications and just leave current DSL sharing configuration alone. Have more hardware here than sense.
Thanks

[zon]

Here is what I suggest, which would cost about the same.

Buy yourself a linksys 4 port router. Plug your machines into it, have it take care of your internet connection, this way all 3 of your machines will have equal access. Then make a domain or workgroup and share files.

By doing it that way, you avoid having 2 cables coming out of each machine, the configuration of an additional card, a firewall for security.

[storm1952]

Thanks for the quick reply. Initially, I had linksys dsl/cable router accessing dsl and two machines. It worked great, except I continued to receive NDIS fatal errors when accessing certain websites, especially ea.com board games. I uninstalled all network devices using safe mode, reinstalled and continued to get blue screened. I even reformatted both systems, reinstalled win98 and same issue. Gave the router to a friend and bought a hub used broadband sharing software and dont have same issues.
Can you explain any benefit to having the server 'online'? I don't plan on using it as a domain server or to host games.

[zon]

Unless you plan on hosting services such as ftp, web server, etc there is none.

[mrlucifer]

WWW.SYGATE.COM IS THE ANSWER FOR YOUR NEEDS....

[storm1952]

Yeah..okay thanks, Lucy. But not interested in software