connecting 2 computors to share 1 printer,in a small shop

Question: I need to connect a computor running win 98 and
one with XP home,both in the same office.The 98 is
connected to a flower shop ordering system and a modem and
constantly checks for incoming orders.I need the XP
machine ONLY for maintaining small business accounts with
no need for internet access,but would like to use the same
printer. I was about to set up the connection for the 2
using a USB hub,,connecting the 2 computors and printer
but was told it wasnt possible as i had to network the 2
together using a LAN card .Can I use something as simple
as a serial port connection via cable and instituit the
file and printer sharing in both machines,the ordering
system is on the win98 machine.Any help appreciated.Thanks

If you don't want to network the computers, I would
suggest a simple a/b printer switch box. Usually they are
for one computer to multiple printers, but you can get
them for multiple computers to one printer. The main
limitation is that the printer has to be parallel. If the
printer is USB only then you are back to networking the
computers and you can put the printer on a USB Print
Server (Only works on certain printer models) or use file
and print sharing.




>-----Original Message-----
>Question: I need to connect a computor running win 98
and
>one with XP home,both in the same office.The 98 is
>connected to a flower shop ordering system and a modem
and
>constantly checks for incoming orders.I need the XP
>machine ONLY for maintaining small business accounts
with
>no need for internet access,but would like to use the
same
>printer. I was about to set up the connection for the 2
>using a USB hub,,connecting the 2 computors and printer
>but was told it wasnt possible as i had to network the 2
>together using a LAN card .Can I use something as simple
>as a serial port connection via cable and instituit the
>file and printer sharing in both machines,the ordering
>system is on the win98 machine.Any help
appreciated.Thanks
>.
>