[skiavo]

i am trying to network my 2 pc's together just to share files for the time being. i'll worry about internet, printers, etc. later. now, is a NIC the same as an ethernet card? and if so i believe i need a CAT5 Crossover Cable to connect them. is a crossover cable the same cable i use to connect my digital modem to my pc?? i ask because i'm trying to do this w/what i have @ home since i'm broke for the time being.
if or once i do have the correct cable, do i just connect it in the back of both pc's and run the network wizard?? as you can see i need some help here. i would highly appreciate anyone's help that can put me on the right track.

 

[Bob Cerelli]

These days, a NIC (Network Interface Card) is the same a Ethernet card. Not too many people are using things like Arcnet etc. any more.

Usually the cable that would connect a cable modem to your computer is not a crossover cable.

I would not necessarily recommend using the Network wizard. It doesn't always work, you are never sure what it is doing, and it makes it much more difficult for you to troubleshoot problems.

There is a lot of detailed information on how to network the various Windows operating systems at http://www.onecomputerguy.com/networking.htm which will hopefully help you out with the rest of it.