DSL home networking 2 computers

[cmr68]

I switched from msn dial up to online DSL (Verizon). I was networking two computers (1 Xp-host & 1 Me) with the dial up connection using a cat 5 cable ( no router) & ICS.
I am using an external Westell Ethernet DSL modem. It is connected to my Xp through the ethernet jack. The problem is I don't know how to connect to my other pc. How do I wire my 2 computer together to share an internet connection now? Do I have to get a router or hub to share the internet?
What cables do I need and were do I put them?

[meese]

You would need to add a second nic card to the pc that is connected to the DSL modem. Or you can get a router. The easiest way is to buy a router (the linksys befsr41 is less than $50 these days). If you go with the adding a second nic then that pc needs to be on all the time for the other machine to access the web. With the router that isn't the case.

[CMonster]

-routers also add a layer of security between you and the Internet and use less power than a PC

[jmichna]

Router is the best way to go... simpler, more secure, initial investment only a tad more expensive than buying a cross-over cable + second NIC for the host pc. Plus router has built in support for PPPoE, so you won't need login/authentrication software like Enternet 300 (I'm assuming your Verizon account uses dynamic IP addresses).

I also use the Linksys BEFSR41... should be able to find for about $50 or so.

[cmr68]

I went into my control panel in my Xp-Host computer & in network connections. listed under Network bridge are 3 things: (1) Local Area Connection- Local area network-SiS 900-based fast ethernet adapter, enabled-bridged (2) 1394 Connection-1394 net adapter, enabled, bridged (3) Network Bridge-MAC Bridge miniport, enabled. What is #2 & #3?