networking 2 pc's w/ cable connection

[brianl0202]

i want to connect 2 pc's, both using xp, both have nics, to the internet through my cable modem. im kinda new to this. is one of my options to use connection sharing and just connect my 2 pc's together w/ a cat5 cable. will this mean my one pc always has to be on if the other one not connected to the modem wants to connect to the internet? what is the difference if i do this or if i use a router connected to the cable modem and connect both pc's to the router. or if i used a switch or hub connecting both pc's from the cable modem? or would i even do that? if i have computers in different rooms and dont want to run cable will wireless work? just hoping to get some info. thanks!

[shahani]

Connect both PCs to the router. Not necessary to have both PCs on if you are using one.

Router and Modem have to be on though.

Wireless will work.

[Bill in SD, CA]

Wireless will work.

I'm hardwired with 3 systems to a LinkSys router and use a Netgear access point for a laptop.

Bill