Hub 1

[Redneck]

Q1: If I connect only 2 pc's together using a crossover cable with LINKSYS 10/100 cards to transfer data and to share devices what is the drawback of not using a HUB?

Q2: If I do not use a HUB and wish for CPU #2 to have access to the internet through CPU #1, outside of a slower rate, what are the disadvantages? I'm assuming this is possible.

 

[wybnormal]

Q1: no real disadavange aside from you are stuck with only those two systems on your "network" A hub makes life much easier when switching things around or adding/deleting PCs to a "network.

Q2: you can still share the PC's internet connection. BUT... I would *highly* recommend something like the Linksys DSL/Cable router instead.
#1:
is it's a "black box" which you can leave on all the time with the noise/expense of leaving the PC on all the time.

#2:
if you break the shared PC somehow ( games come to mind) you have broken the connection for the 2nd PC. The router avoids this.

#3:
The router comes with a small 4 port hub built in, has DHCP built in and offers some firewall protection which the shared PC does not unless you add something like "Zone Control" firewall software which is yet one more thing to install and hope plays with everything already installed on the PC.

Mike S