> a router is basically a hub or a switch on steroids. it usually does > the same job as hubs and switches, but it also allows you the ability > to connect *all* the computers it manages to the internet, if you have > an internet connection like cable modem or DSL. routers tend to be > more expensive though (pushing $100)...if you can afford it, then it > might be good for the possibility of a future internet connection, but > it's overkill for the job you've described in your email. > > good luck! > > -alan
Well yes, I had planned on having my network connected to the internet. Kinda the whole idea of this was being able to use my new cable inter- net connection between a) the server, and then b) the two laptops, and for a final trick, c) my wife's win98 machine which would replace one of the laptops when necessary, as the windows machine doesn't need much network/internet time. But i'm pretty sure i don't _need_ a router for that, do i? Couldn't i send everything to the server (via the hub now) and have that box then send everything over the cable pipe? Masquerading, i think one calls it. Or packet forwarding? Or maybe i can't do such a thing if i want to use a hub(?); this is a new facet to my non-hubbed 5-NIC, 3-host, 1-internet connection idea, will take some figuring/reading i guess. But i'll definitely take your advice and get a hub or switch. Thanks for the link, looks like a good one; just what i need. Tony -- To UNSUBSCRIBE, email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with a subject of "unsubscribe". Trouble? Contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
