Routers/Switches/Ethernet Cards

Recently, cable modem service was made available where I live. I went ahead and purchased some cheap 10BaseT cards and put in the two computers that I own, but this only allows me to be connected to the internet on one computer at a time. I am wanting to purchase a 10/100 Ethernet switch, router, and 10/100 ethernet cards and run Cat5 cable between the two computers to form a home network. Before I do so, however, I have a couple of questions that I was hoping a couple of people here on the message boards could answer.

a) What companies are the best manufacturers of Routers, Switches, and/or Network Cards. (preferably ones that may also be used with Linux machines)

b) What is the difference between a managed and unmanaged switch?

c) Is it advisable to get a switch for home use as opposed to a hub?

d) Does Linksys manufacture good networking products?

Thank you all again for your help in this field.

David

Thanks for the input. Just to add on to what you said... a friend of mine let me borrow his D-Link hub and it was a piece of crap! It was about the size of my fist and the uplink on it did not even work. I would not recommend D-Link to anyone either.

David

I'm not a network pro, but I have installed a DFE530+ DXlink 10/100 at home between my p2 350 and athlon 1ghz and its running great. Hasn't missed a beat. Terrific game play, and does everything else as advertised.

I use Linksys routers and and have never had any problems with them. For network cards I use Intel Pro Management 100 (cheaper then 3Com) cards in my desktops and Dlink DFE-650 PCMCIA cards in my laptops (No problems either).

BTW: If you have a computer with built in 3Com fast ethernet (like a Dell) it may not work with a Linksys router.

Switches are like hubs except they are much faster.

If you only need a 10mbit network and want to save some $$$ you can do this (remember your cable modem is prob only 1.5mbit):
[PC]-----\
[PC]-----[hub]----[1 port router]----[cable/DSL modem]
[PC]-----/

If you need a high speed 100mbit network then get a router with a built in switch:
[PC]-----\
[PC]-----[4 port router/switch]----[cable/DSL modem]
[PC]-----/

Both will give you the same speed internet access.

- JW