Im not very knowledgeble in networking, but im trying very hard to do my homework before i buy something i dont want. I like playing games online and have about 4 computers (im also a fan of lan parties, say bout 3 more comps) i'd like to share internet among them and i got 2 static IPs so that i can not just play games but run a server once in a while and play on it.
But more to the point... as i understood a switch (heard they are better then hubs, which i already own) is the best for my configuration, so i set my eye on NETGEAR 8 Port 10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet Switch w/ Auto Uplink Model FS108, feel free to suggest something else.
Second consern is about network adapters, some of my pcs have integrated adapters, is there a performance difference between integrated adapters and dedicaded PCI cards and is it safer to stick with same company for all your networking equipment i.e. im getting a netgear switch should i get the adapters from netgear also or is it ok to get them say from linksys?
Any help is appreciated, thanx.
PS: gimme slack on spelling, english is my second language.

that should work ok. Any name brand switch these days is good. Integrated or PCI? There is hardly a difference, if any. Name brand uniformity is not required. No performance loss.

thanks for replying cosmic, they didnt have that one at the store so i got my 2nd choice D-Link 10/100Mbps Dual-Speed 8-Port Desktop Switch, Model DSS-8+ instead. They are similar, another question just poped in my head, does windows xp have all the tools i need to set up my network, are there some cool free utilities i could use? if not too much trouble throw me a link to some sites you think might help me through the process. Whish me luck.
I just found one DLinks' support page has GREAT explanations tip on networking. Really clears up alot of things for me, thank gosh i got the extra IP from my ISP earlier, my sister would have blown my face off wit a shotgun

xp pro has more network functionalities than home edition.

what a bummer i got home but thanx i'll look into that

i thought i had static ips at least thats what a comcast representative told me when i was purchasing them but i have now revealed that they are actually dynamic, will that create any problems for my internet sharing?

Ugh im so tire didnt even sleep yet, straight to the point... sheesh you know what i just found a answer for my question, i cannt think straight anymore so good morning i mean good night

i was under the impression that if the ip address is dynamic people will not be able to connect to me e.i. filesharing (shhhh) is that correct? or does it depent on how i will set up my network such as permissions and stuff, static IPs cost about 20 times more then dynamic so that is out of the equasion, it is really important to me because my mother has an opportunity to work from home, here is my situation as of now... Get a ROUTER for about $50 and use just one dynamic ip address and save $13 in monthly fees for additions Ip addresses, or save $50 and use the SWITCH that i already have but pay additional $13 in monthly fees for 2 extra IPs. I am more concerned about the performance then saving money, i just want the damn thing to work after all. Is there any real advantages using multiple IPs on network over using a router with my switch and have just one ip going to the router and then the router assign local ip addresses to other computers?
PLEASE SOMEONE ENLIGHTEN ME