PC > PC shared networking

I currently have my pc in the dining room (where I have room for it) which
is connected to my Xbox in the front room. What I want to know is, is it
possible to connect my spare pc to the xbox end of the network occasionally
and set that up and swap back to my xbox and so on easily? Also would I then
be able to use my broadband from my second pc.

The reason I want to do this is because I am thinking about putting my spare
pc by the tv in my main room for occasionoal browsing in the warm front room
(as opposed to my cold dining room).

I am aware maybe a router would help but am looking to do it on the cheap
really and I am already looking at getting a tv out card and wireless
keyboard and mouse so dont want to spend any more than I need to.

I am currently using WindowsXP.

The main thing I want to know though is whether you can set up two network
connections on my main pc and select which one I'm using depending on which
one I'm using if you get me.

If anyone could help I would be extremely grateful.

Your setup for the XBox is using Internet Connection Sharing?

If so - this is easy...plug your cable into the second PC (rather than
the XBox and run the ICS wizard. It will set everything up for you.
The main PC doesn;t care whether it is an XBox or a PC at the other
end - it will just share the connection down that wire.

Yes, a router would be better and you may find you have to run the ICS
wizard form time to time as the connectability miysteriously dies
sometimes.

jay