How simple is it to set up a small network between 2/3 computers? Is it just a matter of connecting two usb ports? And where can I get the necessary software to controll this? Is it free? (I will be using some form of Windows OS, dunno what yet, possibly Win2000pro or XP).

Howabout buy ethernet cards instead? That's what they're meant for. I don't know of any USB networking software.

I've heard that this definately exists, but you are limited to 10m of cable.

2 USB Cables: ?10

3 Ethernet Cards: >>>>>?10

Please remember I am still a kid without a part time job.

I'm not too sure if two of the computers will have ethernet adapters already actually. Still, all I really need is to transfer files and perhaps set one up as a proxy server.(Then again, thats a lot more than "all I need" :))

Um, yeah, ethernet cards would be best. They cost around 15-30 USD each [Well, some probly cost more, but this is a good range].

You could try putting Linux on one [PC] of them?? It might make a good proxy server and duoble as fire wall. But I dunno. Random ideas.

Nope, for the time being all staying Win. Whatever OS comes with the two new computers will be installed on this one thats presently running Win98se. Ethernet cards aren't as expensive as I thought they'd be. I might get them and run a few cabels from this thing through to a few rooms in the house.

Don't forget that you need a hub if you want to connect more than 2 computers, and you'll need either a cross over cable or cross over adapter to connect two computers directly without a hub.

Maybe I'll just leave it till after Christmas Day to work tthings out.

Huh, you can get a crap Realtek card for like $8 bucks now.

whatever you do, don't go with what could end up being seriously limiting.. i.e, USB network :P you might end up spending more in the longrun to correct past mistakes!

go for Fast Ethernet. It's a good investment. And to start, if you need to, get two NIC's, crossover cable (or even build one yourself)... and when you are ready, buy a HUB and rebuild the crossover cable to a normal one, and buy however many other cables you need with the new NICs. There are many resources on the internet for building your own cable, which ends up being far cheaper than any pre-built one from the store. Invest in a good pair of crimpers, a spool of CAT5 cable and a little container of connectors. It's good fun!!!!!! HOORAY! :)))) Or save on the cables and go WIFI... might be worth it.

Yeah, WIFI is sounds pretty cool!!! But, for first time networking I'm not sure if that would be appropriate, but what do I know, I never networked before so...

hmm... I'm looking for a basic method of transfering files and if possible at the same time setting up a proxy server so that me and my sis can use the internet at the same time. (No More Fights! :) HORRAY). If I can get any software that can link two computers through a USB cable, that will do.

A proxy server is unecessary for that purpose... Internet Connection Sharing will do that fine.

doesn't XP/NT come some kinda file transfer thign via USB??

twill probably be Win2000Pro.

I'm thinking I might go for ethernet now though.

Well, Win2K probly has that too.

I've never got Win2K to ICS. IIRC it's a bit more painful than XP or WinME. Then again I never seriously chased after ICS when I ran 2K Pro, because I never needed ICS till just recently... I use XP for ICS. Because my Laptop's 56K modem gets higher connection speeds than my external for the desktop. The desktop runs linux. It is rather trivial to share internet from XP to any other operating system. nevertheless, bla.

Up until about a month ago, I was stuck behind a win2k gateway doing ICS. It was a pain in the ass, but it did it.

OK, I got my laptop (in funky silver!).

It has fast ethernet built in.

On my desktop Im wondering would the port that looks identical to the modem port and is right beside it, could that possiby be an ethernet port? If so, happy days.

Oh and this came with WinXP, so Im presuming there sould be no practical(not legal) problems with installing that WinXP on my Desktop.

You can use USB to do networking... Just remember, the USB standard was only meant for one master, not two. There is a Linux driver for IPoverUSB and for IPoverFirewire. There is also a commercial driver for Windows and Mac, while the name escapes me right now. I should, however, warn you. Having two masters on a USB chain can be dangerous. While this is not a problem for some motherboards (considering the chipset in the MB), on others you would have to replace a fuse when it blows. I strongly suggest using Fast Ethernet, goto your local used computer ship. I get all of my cards for $5..

Gone of USB now, and I had been wondering about the power thingy.