Networking

What is the cheapest way I could set up a network between two computers (just wanna be able to play LAN games) I know a cross-over cable but as far as what NIC should i get and do both of the cards have to be the same. I have a dell witch does not have a network card in it. my brother has an alienware witch does have one in it.

Ideally you'd want a NIC card that's 10/100(100 Mbits being the obvious best choice). It doesn't really matter what kind of card it is, they just transmit data.... The 'compatible' part would be the protocols being used(Window's settings).

Basically any NIC card should work, aslong as you have an empty slot for it, and have the right drivers.

Windows XP will be able to handle pretty much all network cards, just run the Home Networking Setup wizard in XP if that's what you're using and it's a breeze.