Hey all, My housemates have just got new PC's and we want to set up a network. So Far weve got 3 PC's, 1MAC and a Cable modem. All we want to do is share the internet connection, play games against eachother and share our files, but without having to have just one machine as a server as we will be all coming and going. I just want to know what type of network cards we need (appart from the mac as it already has one) and weather we need a router or a hub? p.s. we would also like to connect our XBOX's but thats not a necesity. thanx in advance

Does your cable modem do NAT? If it doesn't, get a intergrated dsl/cable router with built in hub/switch. Connects your cable modem, pcs, mac and the Xbox to this router. For PC NICs, I prefer 3 Com 905 or Intel EtherExpress 10/100.

just found out it doesnt support NAT so do you think this will be any good? 3Com OfficeConnect CableDSL Gateway (UK) 3C857-ME, with 4-port 10/100 switch (http://www.komplett.co.uk/k/ki.asp?action=info&AvdID=1&CatID=19&p=33848&view=detailed) if not please can you recomend any good ones?