In terms of hardware, you need a router/hub, not just a hub if you want to get on the Internet with all the computers. Several companies make this device, including SMC, Linksys, D-link, Netgear, and others.  The router, with some configuration, has a single IP address for itself that your ISP sees, different IP addresses for each computer on the network, and a subnet (usually like 255.255.255.0).  Most of these routers have an IP address like 192.168.2.1 or similar.  It would assign IP's to your other computers such as 192.168.2.100 (101) etc.

>i am trying to network three computers, two desktops and one laptop, each w/ a different OS (windows 98, windows 2000, and windows ME on the laptop).  using a Netgear 4 port 10 base-t ethernet hub (model EN104), i have only been able to get one computer online at a time.  through trial and error, my roommates and i have concluded that the computer that works is the first one booted up when all the cables are in place and the hub and modem are turned on.  speaking to a more computer literate coworker, i was instructed to create a subnet so that all the computers can run on a single ip address.  i hope that is what you think i need and if it is, i hope you can tell me how to do it.
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