I had a little home network all set up & going well for several months.
xp pro laptop with 2 nic's & xp desktop
connected to cable modem via hub
Both had internet service and I could share files with firewalls (ZA) up.
The IP addrsses are static dhcp.
But since the server has decided to peridically change the IP addresses and
the subnets, I cannot seem to get a good network.
I am legally allowed 2 IPs
At present I have to set up a share from Laptop which provides good file
transfers but I lose the internet on the desktop and vice versa.
So, could I set up a separate LAN with the USB network card from the laptop
to a second USB card to the desktop via a crossover cable? I would only need
to purchase a second USB card.
How would I configure this?

Or should I just get a router or wireless setup?
Thanks for input
Rozee