David Nasser wrote:
>
> Good Folk,
>
> A friend of mine has a couple of P5 desktop systems at his home. Each
> has an inexpensive ethernet card. I need to help him to configure an
> inexpensive LAN. Neither of us have any LAN experience. Both machines
> are running Win95.
>
> What additional hardware/software is necessary? Do we _have_ to have
> a hub for a 2 node LAN? Etc, etc.

For two PCs running Windows95 you will only need a cross over cable.
Here is a diagram that was posted in the past by Gene Gaines
([log in to unmask]).

Wiring:         (view with monospaced font)

   ____----____
   |          |    <-- An RJ-45 receptacle
   |          |         on a NIC card or hub
   | |||||||| |
   ------------
     8      1      <-- Pin numbers

Wiring in a straight cable:
  1--1
  2--2
  3--3
  6--6
  4,5,7,8 not used

Wiring in a crossover cable:
  1--3
  2--6
  3--1
  6--2
  4,5,7,8 not used

If you opt to use a hub instead it will be easier to add additional
machines at a later date and you can find cables to connect to the hub
without much hassle.  Other than that make sure that you are using the
same network protocols on both machines.  Make sure they are in the same
workgroup.  Make sure that the computer names are different.

You do not need to log into a NT server.  (this is the last hope in the
network troubleshooting help)

If this does work, post again.  Windows95 networking is easy, but not
obvious.

Hope this helps,

Robert Kilroy
--
ICQ Number:  4249654
Look, Listen, Learn
Information is being provided for educational purposes only