i just got a skymaster 5 port hub and im trying to set up a small netowrk in my home. I plugged 2 computers and a cable internet connection into it, but i cant get the computers on the net. Do i need an uplink for this? any help or network settings appreciated

Have you ever used this cable modem before? Some ISPs require you to register each of your computers with them before you can access the Internet. Most companies are very helpful with this type of problem over the phone. Just for fun... Some companies require, as well, for you to pay for each extra computer you add to your cable connection. A router will alleviate this annoyance, but it's quite a large initial payment when compared to a five dollar monthly surcharge to register each computer.

There are several 3rd party softwares available if your service provider charges for extra computers. Sygate, Surfdoubler, Wingate, Winproxy. They offer trials so you might chose which is best for you. Good Luck

You can also add a NIC to one of your computers and have it act as the router for less. (NIC = about $20). Windows router software can be expensive, though. You can try wingate for free i think at wingate.com. hope this helps brad_002