Idiot Network Question (please help!)

Hi,

Im trying to set up my first ever network. Its between 2 pc's and is
designed so that I can play multiplayer LAN games and share a broadband
connection.

So far, the idle fruits of my labours have landed me with a non-crossover
ethernet cable (I think... its called a point cable? Is that right???), and
a router.

I've tried simply connecting the cable between the 2 pc's but I get 'cable
unplugged messeges' and research leads me to believe that I need a crossover
cable to do that.

On the other hand, the router will enable me to access the net without the
main pc needing to be on, right? The router, I couldnt get working however.
Also, the router (a creater blaster) has only one ethernet port, a usb port,
a power port and a phone port.

So... am I right in thinking that I could buy a hub and connect one pc to
that with my non-crossover ethernet cable, and the other pc with the modem
to the hub with another ethernet cable. And then thatll work fine.

But if I want independant access to the net, then I need to connect pc 2 to
the hub, pc one to the hub, the hub to the router and then the router to the
phone line. All with non crossover ethernets. Right?

Im not sure if Im talking nonsense or not!

Many thanks


Matt




-=Matt=-