Networking Two Computers

All the routers I have seen run upwards of about $60.00 Do you know of any place where i can get one for $30.00 and both my computers have Ethernet cards (are those the same thing?)in them but they only have one connection available how much will it cost to get one with Two?

It depends on who has the special offer of the week and where you live. Some retailers give you the good price as instant savings, others will have you send in for a rebate. Look for Linksys, D-Link, Netgear, Belkin.

Examples:
CompUSA has a Netgear wireless-g router for under $30.
Staples has Linksys and D-Link for $39.99 after rebate (AR).

It seems that I can always find a Linksys WRT54G for $39.99 AR if I look hard enough.

Check brick-n-mortar stores like CompUSA, CircuitCity, Staples, BestBuy, etc. Online price comparison sites like PriceGrabber.com help. Check online stores like NewEgg.com, ChiefValue.com, ZipZoomFly.com, Geeks.com, TechBargains.com.

Ethernet cards will get you connected to a router with a network cable. Wireless network adapters will connect you to a router via radio signal (no cables required).

I went shopping at office max today and saw a D-link 8-Port10/100mbps Switch for like $25.00 after rebates. the illistration showed the modem hooked up to a router and then the switch and then the computers but i asked the guy there and he said I could use it without a router so what do you think?

If your DSL Modem have a router capability, and you still have empty port on it (usually it have atleast 4port), you can just plug in your desktop.

If your DSL Modem, doesn't have the router capability, it only have 1 port, in this matter you might need a Router... to connect other computer.

A router beside adding a port, it also have the feature of security, etc.

A switch is only to add your connection port.

That is why the connection:
Modem - Router - Switch - PC

If you connect two or more computers together, you have created a network.

A HUB lets you connect computers to one another, but it is the least efficient method.

A SWITCH is an efficient and intelligent hub.

The problem whith switches and hubs is that they are designed to link computers together to form one network. A ROUTER is designed to link one network (the computers in your home) to another network (the rest of the Internet).

So, you can have a home network with a switch or hub, but you will just be able to communicate between the computers in your home. For all the computers on your network to share access to the Internet, you need a router. As others have stated, most routers have a built in 4-port switch.

OLD ROUTERS:
Internet ---- Modem ----Router ---- Switch ---- Computers

NEW ROUTERS (with built-in switch):
Internet ---- Modem ---- Router ~-~-~ Computers

NEW ROUTERS (combination modem-router):
Internet ---- Modem-Router ~-~-~ Computers

KEY:
---- Wired
~-~-~ Wired or wireless

Now, if you have a need to make more than 4 wired connections to your router, you can add a switch to your router.

Well it looks like a router is my best bet then. I'll probably go out and get one today, Thanks for all the help and the lesson in Home Networking(Really, I mean it, its hard to find that information!) Thanks again all that responded!