noob with networking question
 

i am trying to do something simple or so i thought...i would like to hook up my two computers together so that they both share certain files, directories and an internet connection...both are dual booted with suse7.0 and win98... i have an ethernet card in each with an rj45 cable connecting... do i have all the hardware components in place?

i have always thought i would need a hub in addition but some ppl have told me a hub is not necessary for just 2 computers...

i really could use the help on this one! thnx

depends if you'ev got the right cable. your cable is right IF the green and orange twisted pairs and in opposire orders at each connector, if the wires are all in the same order then that kind of cable is for a hub, but you can easily convert it with a pair of pliers, just swap

orange/white - green/white
white/orange - white/green
and vice versa.

oh and you can cut the other ones and ignroe them, they're not used.

check the networking howto for higher level info