You have probably already done this, or you have an operating Internet connection if you are reading this article on-line. If you are networking more than two computers, I recommend buying a Fast Ethernet Hub, connect your computers to the Hub with a straight-through cables, and follow the rest of the article on networking two computers. See my article on making network cables for advise on making, buying, and installing network cables. It has more features than you need, but it hubs like it are becoming common place. If you already have a 2-computer network with a crossover cable and you are going to add a third computer and hub, don't throw away the crossover cable.
Most hubs have one port which can be configured for a crossover cable.
Copyright 1997-2001 Larry F. Byard. All rights reserved. This material or parts thereof may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed by any means whatsoever without explicit, written permission from the author.