USB networking ?

[Dazzler]

I have a PC with a network card, however my friend's has none, but we both have USB, is there a fairly simple and cheap way to network the two machines using USB, and will that support most multi-player games, also if this is possible, which set of protocols would be used ?

[j2buttonsw]

You can buy USB networking kits but I would buy a cheap ethernet card for your mate's computer which would prove to be more cost effective.

[Potatoman]

Defnatly get the ethernet card. I dont think they even cost a tenner. And for games, youll be glad you did as speed is everything! Link up the 2 PC's, and follow the 'create new network' wizard in control panel (LAN). I did and it works a treat.

[dodgyshirt]

Buttons and Potatoman are spot on. Buy a network card for your friends PC (about �5 ) and a crossover RJ45 network cable, again no more than �5 unless you shop at PC World of course. The crossover type of cable (as opposed to a patch cable) will save you the cost of a network hub. If at a later stage you wish to increase your network then you will need a hub but a more-than-adequate one is only about �20 to which you can connect either type of cable as it detects which type you are using and adjusts the relevant port accordingly.