Need Help, I'm new to networking PC's @ Home

[HawaiianGhost]

I will soon have both my wife's rig along with my rig up and running, just a few more parts for mine. I am wanting to set up a network between the two and maybe LAN in the future with some friend'z over at my place. What & where do I start with allocating the part'z? I.e. to make it simple for starter'z, what would I need to hook up my two home rig'z? I know I need two ethernet card'z and some cabling, CAT 5? I want 10/100 connections and I was looking at either D-link sytem or Linksys.

How is wireless connections? as far as for gaming? Would be greatly appreciated if someone could just "jott" a list real quick for the "basic" hardware required for just 2 rig'z for now with possible "add-on" connections for LAN Party. Thanks in advance...:)

[BaLa]

you want to share XDSL/Cable Internet too?

or just network the 2 machines?

if you just want to network the 2 machines just get a 5 port or more Switch


if you want to Share Cable/DSL and network the 2 machines I would reccomend getting a netgear router

with the Router I would get a switch depeding on how
many ppls you plan on hooking up to your LAN (for LAN parties)

for your NICs I would reccommed 3Com or Netgear

for the Cabling I would try to get Cat5e or Cat6
of course plain Cat5 will do as well