In my house there are two computers, both of which have ethernet cards and 56k modems. How can I connect them in a manner that will allow me to share files and/or use the others dvd-rom (if possible)?

For the file sharing, you'll need a hub 10/100 preferably. I've used a Linksys 5 port which was about $40. Then you'll need to set up the tcp/ip protocols on each computer in the control panel. Can share printers if more than one but probably not dvd.

The previous post is correct in part. You will need a OS like Windows NT to take advantage of device sharing. HTH, wcr3d

KISS... You do not need a hub to network two PC's; nor do you have to use NT; '9x will do fine... You have a NIC in each PC... All you need between them is a cross-over cable - a long one will cost $$$'s; but a straight through version is noticeably cheaper... So run a straight through version between them and at one end add a coupler (simple cable to cable connector), then add on a short length cross-over cable. Connect this cable to the PC. Thus you have a long lenght (and cheaper) cross-ove cable... Use Category 5 UTP cable (Unshielded Twisted Pair). For the rest visit: http://www.helmig.com aka http://www.wown.com and go through Helmig's excellent tutorials... He covers it all, including sharing a modem, ICS, and just about anything else you can think of. He covers all flavours of M$ Operating systems and networks... Lots of excellent screen-shots and step-by-step instructions etc. which is why I'm not going through it all here... http://www.practicallynetworked.com has useful info on ICS too. http://www.homepclan.com is another basic info site...