First, this is a common question so there are probably a lot more/better ideas out there, but here is my suggestion for getting a quick network up and running. First get a small hub, I have a linksys 5 port 10/100 and it works great. Then, hook each computer to the hub via the nic in each computer (ignore the uplink port on the hub). Then install only the Microsoft netbeui protocol, through the network icon on each computer. Give each computer a different name, but give them both the same workgroup name. Reboot each computer and that should be it. Got to network neighbor and wala! (Unless I forgot something?) If you are using coax, I think you can just wire them straight without the hub, but it?s been awhile since I have played with coax. You can install more and other protocols, but they will only bog down your bootup time. Hope this helps.
