i want to get something clear before i start making preps to make a network.
well my grandmom just subscribed for a new 256kbs cable internet in our new home. she is in a different room and i am in mine..but the internet in connected on her pc. i want to also have this internet in my room as well...and the following are my questions.
1. i have got an 8port hub. but i dont even know what kind of UTP cable i should buy...cat5e or cat5 or what?
2. and would i need any third party software to install the hub?
3. what is a proxy or a proxy server and how will it help if introduced in the small network that i want to make?
4. what is should be the maximum cable length so that the the network signal won't be depleted?
5. i go to some places and i see some people put their hubs or switches in some kind of casing...what is the use of the casing? it is like a box with vents around it.
better still since you now know the kind of network i want to setup, i would be extremely grateful if you could tell me the items i need to buy, i mean if you can list the items that i would need to get...thanks in advance.

cat5 or 5e is the quality of the cable. Quality in the way of speed, not in product. cat5 is OK for home use
http://donutey.com/ethernet.php


No extra software needed. Plug & play. But i advice you to buy a switch.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proxyserver


100 meter is no problem.

I don't understand what you say. I have 4 switches in use. Switches for home use and not pro-stuff.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_switch

I have a 5-port switch of Dlink:



this 8-ports GB-switch of Dlink:



this Dlink with cable and wireless:



and a 3com switch.

All these switches gives a lot of heat and maybe your friend have put them in a case with fans?

Or do you mean the switches like these:



They are in a case.

oh thanks so much. for the time your time...and yes...with the casing, i mean that picture in ur last post...why is the casing important....and can't i make my connection using a hub instead of a switch...what will be the drawback in using the hub?

A hub slows down the data when several computers are used at the same time. A switch manage all traffic. But for 2 computers a hub will do the job.

Read this for exact information: http://www.duxcw.com/faq/network/hubsw.htm

The case is 19" and fit in default server racks. The fans are cooling the switch because like i said: at my home those cheap switches are really hot because there are no fans in it. But for home use it is good enough.