Hi i know this really doesnt have to do with linux but i need this to work linux with internet. OK i have one cable modem and i can plug it into one comp at a time. I have cox@home set up on one computer, but i want to be able to install it on the other comp using the same information from the first comp (ip addres, etc..) so that i can use both computers w/ internet at differnt times. Can you guys help me?

There's nothing to install from Cox, unless you want to load some tweaked browser or adware. Get a cheap hardware router and plug both systems into that. You'll be able to use both systems whenever you want.

if your connecting your cox modem over the usb you'll need to stop doing that and switch over to ethernet cable. Thats the only other thing to add

you don't need a hardware router == you can set up your linux box to do this by installing two ethernet cards in it and the right configurations -- it can be a firewall with iptables and dhcp server, so all your computers will work from the same IP address.

I have a Cox service with cable modem, plugged into a hub. I have two separatae networks running off it, with a total of 6 computers. My kids are completely separataed from the adults network, (thankfully) and all from one IP address assigned by the Cox system.

so how exactly would i set that up?

It depends on your individual setup. But a normal home cable broadband setup allows 3 dynamic IP address's. Do you have a USB cable modem or a modem with RJ45 i.e. ethernet jack? What OS is running on the first computer?

These all require a ethernet RJ45 type cable modem.

Method 1) min setup. Buy a hub and connect the computers and modem to the hub. You do not say what distro your using but Redhat and Mandrake have GUI setups that will get you going.

Method 2) Next easiest method. Buy a router. The cable modem plugs into the WAN port and the computers into the LAN port. Setup a static IP address that matches the LAN side of the router. Configure the gateway to point to your router. The router will get a dynamic IP address from COX.

Method 3) More difficult for the begineer. Configure the first PC as a router,gateway for the second PC. You will need to buy a 2nd ethernet card and a crossover ethernet cable. This system is limited to only 2 computers. I know Mandrake has a GUI for configuring the PC for internet sharing. Not sure about RH.

ok so i can use the hub, plug eveything in and i'll be bale to set it up like it was that same?

COX is the same as time warner.
http://www.tldp.org/HOWTO/Cable-Modem/

Yes, you should set the ethernet up for DHCP.

BTW routers are better then a hub because they provide a hardware firewall and any file sharing between the two computers will be protected from the outside world.

Make sure you setup the firewall.

BTW you never did mention what distro you were using and the other computers OS.