Network thingy
 

I finally got my network, two comps, going. They connect via crossover cable. Say I now want to connect another comp to the network, what hardware do I need?? Is that a router?? Or a hub?? I'm never going to have many comps connected, so can anyone recommend a piece of hardware? Make and model?
Thanks in advance
Peter

You will need either a hub or a switch. They perform the same function except that a switch is a bit smarter. Take a look at this wiki page for a better explanation:
http://wiki.linuxquestions.org/wiki/Network_switch
http://wiki.linuxquestions.org/wiki/Hub

You will also need to use straight through cables and not crossovers for this to work (unless you buy a smart switch which has automatic uplink for all of it's ports but that is a lot of overkill for a small network and straight through cables are usually bit cheaper too)

What would you recommend Netgear or 3Com switch? Or are they all the same inside?
There is a Netgear with 5 RJ-45 sockets, inclusive uplink €39. Sound good? SAme speed as my ethernet card 10/100 mbs.

My complaint about Netgear is they use some screwy power adaptors. The one that came with my 8 port hub was 5 volts and 3 amps. And of course, Netgear charges an arm and a leg for new ones. When mine died I bought a used Kingston EtheRx 10/100 hub on eBay for less than the replacement cost and it works fine with a generic variable voltage 1 amp power adaptor too. When you're a cheap-skate like me these things matter. ;) LOL

P.S. Kingston doesn't make hubs anymore, BTW. :(

I would recomend Linksys myself.

I think that there are quirks like with most hardware as have been mentioned above. $39, £21 isn't bad, just remember that you will be limited to the 5 network devices. This may not be a problem for you - it just depends how much you see the network growing.