Hmm, actually if you're hooking your DSL directly to a switch, and then two PCs connected to eachother and the internet through that same switch, than you will not be able to effectively share files between the two systems without also sharing them with at least large portions of the Internet. The reason for this is that both machines will be pulling down seperate IP addresses from your ISP in order to get online, so you won't be able to effectively isolate internet traffic from local traffic in order to prevent unauthorized connections. In other words, a software firewall won't work. :(
If I was you, I'd consider getting an inexpensive home router, such as a Netgear, and simply connect the DSL modem to that, then the PCs to the router. In that case only the router pulls down an Internet routable IP address, and the two (or more) workstations are completely protected, while still being able to swap files in privacy and security.
Alternately, you could
build yourself a router for almost zero cost. You don't have to be a networking guru to do this, nor do you need any specialized hardware. All you need is an old worthless junker PC that still works, such as a 486 with 32mb RAM and a 400mb HDD, and at least two network cards in that machine. Then you simply download and install the
IPCop operating system, which will power your router. This process takes about five minutes and is pretty self-explanatory, as long as you know a little bit about your ISP and account settings. Once the OS is installed, you don't even need a keyboard, mouse or monitor anymore, as your machine can be securely administrated from your own web browser. I have a setup like this at home, and it runs on a K6-2~300MHz with 128MB RAM system that was given to me at no cost. I simply added two $5 Realtek-chipset NICs, and I was good to go! This is a very good solution, and very secure. You just hook your new custom router up to your dsl, then connect your network switch to the other network card, and you're securely situated behind your own, dedicated, professional-class firewall. :good:
Lastly, and this is definately the least preferrable option, you could add two NICs to each machine, then have a cable directly between the two machines, and have that be the connection that your Windows networking is enabled on. Then just run a good software firewall on the other NICs, and have them connected to your ADSL line. That way should keep you
fairly secure, but nothing beats a good router. Not only that, but having a router will greatly simplify your network, as it will run its own DHCP server (automatically gives out IP addresses). Besides, if you have to buy an extra two NICs anyway, you may as well be putting them in an old low-end system that isn't good enough to be a workstation anymore, and just make that your firewall. OK, take it or leave it! ;)
