Need some info reguarding networking home computers.

[GlowxBacon]

Recently my Dad has asked me to network our homecomputers, now don't get me wrong I really wanna do it so that I can get access to the cable modem on my computer, its just that I don't know jack about networking computers. So here are my questions. 1) What all do I need? Just a HUB, and 1 eithernet card for each computer? 2) what kind of network cards should I get 10baseT, 10/100 (no idea what the diffrence is either)? 3) How do I set it up, where does the eithernet from the cable modem hook up to? Where do the other cumputers hook up to the hub. and finaly 4) After I get all the cards installed and the cable run, what do I do as far as drivers and program setup.

I know it was alot, I am just a complete newbie when it comes to networking. Thanks in advance for all your help.

 

[kamaboko]

Follow this link for info. It might help answer your questions.

http://www.cablemodemhelp.com/lanconnect.htm

 

[GlowxBacon]

Thanks, that site was perfect for the set up part, I still need to know about what kind of hub, and what kind of network cards

 

[Impact55]

You won't need anything faster than 10 MBIT for simple internet access, but if you plan to share huge files or play online gaming the 10/100 MBIT card will be a lot better... how many computers are you connecting and what OS's do they use? I'm going to be using the Netgear RT314 for my DSL and 2-3 computers.

 

[Maximus1]

I'm very partial to Netgear products. I think they are high quality for a very good price. I really like the FA311TX nic cards, and I personally own the FS105 5port switch. You really don't need a switch, but the price difference b/t the switch and the hub was small enough that I just went with the switch, since it does have its advantages over a hub.

 

[BCYL]

With the minimal price difference nowadays, go with 10/100 NICs for sure... Even those cost below $20, no point of buying 10BaseT now....

 

[bigjon]

I agree with everyone that said Netgear is the way to go. I have never had a problem with them.

Onvia has the Netgear 311TX 10/100 network card for $18 & free shipping. Be sure to get a 10/100 network hub or switch; if you get just a 10mbps hub/switch it will limit the network cards to 10mbps.

EDIT: The Linksys 5-port switch is very nice and inexpensive to boot (around $50 US). Buy.com has it fairly cheap, and Onvia also carries it I believe. If you can swing it go for the switch rather than a hub, especially if you have more than 2 computers.

 

[FullMoon]

You can get a lot of information here:

http://www.homepclan.com
Homepclan.com

 

[Wik]

Ok you want NICS. Here are some Accton Cheetah cards. They are 10/100 cards that have drivers for all the Windows Distros and Linux/Unix. They are system pulls and you will have to download the drivers but they are only $6. I have 8 of these cards and they work great.

$6 NICS

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