I currently use a product called a Microsoft Wired Base Station model
number MN-100 to share my internet connection between my XP pro and my
daughter's XP home system. It has worked flawlessly. I have also set up
several other systems using D-Link product, the DI-604 is nice because
it offers web based setup I have also used some of the wireless systems
which are almost as easy to setup. The wireless units need to be set up
to recognize the other units as well as the network. It has also worked
without a hitch. I don't think that either is dependent on your OS at
all because once setup, I am also able to use my Linux system on either.

I would suggest a router over a hub. I am not sure of all of the
terminology, but I think that most if not all newer routers include a
hub. A hub alone, allows you to connect several computers together into
a network, but does not include a router. A router is what allows you to
automatically share your ISP between them. I am pretty sure that a hub,
and a switch are pretty much the same thing. A couple years ago, I
installed and setup several insurance offices with networks using a
product labeled as a "SWITCH / HUB".

If you purchase a hub, you will have insert a NIC card into both
computers then connect them to the hub. One of the computers will
probably have two NIC cards, one for the hub, and one for the broadband
connection. With this system, if the computer not connected directly to
the broadband connection wants to use the internet, the other computer
will still have to be fully turned on and running. If the computer
connected to the ISP crashes, the other will be unable to access the
internet. If this is what you choose to do, with only two computers, I
wouldn't even buy the hub; you can simply install the NIC cards, and
connect them directly using a crossover cable.

If you purchase a router, the broadband connection will connect directly
to the router and then both systems will plug into it. With this system,
you can turn off either system, and it doesn't affect the other's
ability to access the internet. With both systems on, you can also run a
network and share information between the two. Most routers also include
the added protection of a hardware firewall.

Dennis Noble

-I have two desktops that are running Windows XP Pro. I am looking for a
----compatible router or hub to connect them thru my cable modem. If
anyone has -any suggestions it would be greatly appreciated.

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