I want to set up a LAN to network 6 PCs and 3 laptops, all running Win 98SE, with a view to being able to add more PCs later. What would be the best way to go. Do I need a server or switch (also what software)as well as a hub.

Do you plan to have internet access? Or just an isolated LAN?

i would get a server (win 2000 advance sever) and start learning networking though that. here you will learn about user access , group rights, monitor traffic and sharing files. and you can add endless about of computers and users to your server. or if you want to do it a simiple way just get a hub and do it that way and of course you will need network cards for all your PCs/laptops. and again, are you going to have/want internet access?

If your network is that small, you can get away with just setting up a workgroup. If you're going to share a network connection, you can either buy a nat/pat device like a router or build a system server or desktop to be the nat device. If you're going workgroup and you have win98 you won't need any extra software, although, you'll need hubs or switches to connect everything together, and that nat device to share connection, unless you want to buy an IP address for each PC. - dak -

cheapest is to just setup microsoft networking in net. neighborhood..peer to peer network (ie. no server)..you will need a hub.. 16 port ..cuz you have 9 already..