How to Use Your Computer As a Hub
Setting up a home network is a great way to get the most out of an internet connection, or to quickly share files and interface with other computers. Networks are normally set up with routers, hubs or splitters, which are external devices that can route connections to multiple computers, but a LAN can also be set up through a central computer, provided it is installed with several additional Ethernet cards to provide ports for connection sharing.
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Instructions
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Install as many Ethernet cards as necessary into your main computer as necessary so that it has one for each additional computer that will be connected, plus one extra to connect to your modem. To install Ethernet cards, turn off the computer, unplug cords, open the case with a screwdriver, and firmly push the card into an open PCI slot, which should be located at the back and bottom of the case.
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Connect the extra Ethernet cards to all additional computers using crossover cables.
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Turn on each computer, and have the main computer connect to the internet.
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Run the network setup wizard on the central computer by clicking "Start," "Network Places" and then "Setup a Home or Small Office Network."
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Run the network setup wizard on the additional computers connected through crossover cables.
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Restart all of the computers, and reconnect to the internet
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Tips & Warnings
When connecting two computers directly via two Ethernet cards, one must use a crossover cable, not a standard Ethernet cable which would normally be used to connect a computer to a modem, router or hub.
