Basic networking question

Ok, I'm not real swift with networking. I'm trying to set up a simple home
network, 2 computers with DSL. I need to know what kind of cable I need, I
can get CAT5 and make it myself. Also, can I just hook my DSL modem and the
2 computers into an ethernet switch, or do I need a DSL router?

In article <xZsrc.15194$(E-Mail Removed)>,
"(E-Mail Removed)" (E-Mail Removed) says...
> Ok, I'm not real swift with networking. I'm trying to set up a simple home
> network, 2 computers with DSL. I need to know what kind of cable I need, I
> can get CAT5 and make it myself. Also, can I just hook my DSL modem and the
> 2 computers into an ethernet switch, or do I need a DSL router?
>
>
You need a router - either a dedicated device or you can use one of the
PCs (but obviously if you use a PC it has to be running for the other
machine to connect). The neatest solution is a combined
modem/router/switch, or if you have a modem with an ethernet port then
you can use a router/switch. If you have a USB or PCI modem then the
cheapest solution is to connect the PCs with an ethernet crossover cable
and run Windows Internet Connection Sharing or similar software on the
machine with the modem.