If you have enough cable to reach to both computers why not just either make or buy a crossover cable? If both PCs already have Ethernet ports, a crossover cable would eliminate the need for a router, switch, hub, etc and give you the connectivity youre looking for.

that would still require two nics in the primary. Also a crossover cable is easy to make but I doubt Tallbump has the tools or this thread wouldn't exist AND most stores don't stock crossover cables either. Then we are still left with the situation where the primary would need to be on whenever the secondary wants online.

A router is the way to go and if it wasn't noticed, I have a spare that I offered.

I dont want to take your thread Tallbump But is that why I have two Eternet ports on the back of my Mac Pro? I can run a cable over to the other and have internet also?

Yes, but its not quit that simple.
Check your documentation and see it your secont port can be configured as a uplink port. If it can then you can use a regualr network cable. If it can't then you need a crossover cable. In both cases your Mac'* need to be configured as a simple network between your second nic and hers, and then yours will need to be setup as a gateway, and yours will need to be on for the second one to access the interenet (thru your pc)

With a router you plug the network cable from the cablemodem into the cable port of the router using a straight cable. Use regualr network cable to connect both your pc'* to the router and you're pretty much done*. Neither pc needs to be on for the other one to access the net. Theres not much in the configuration that needs to be addressed PLUS you now have a simple hardware firewall in between you and the Net (I know, not a big deal when you use a Mac)

*Edit - please note I'm referring to a wired router, wireless routers need a bit more configrating for security purposes. Both types need the default admin access/password changed at minimum.

I think that'* there if you want to use your computer for a mail server or some sort of gateway. I'm not completely sure, never cared much about networking.

Make it easy on yourself and get a router

That'* what I did

1) You don't have to make a crossover cable, you can buy one, though I don't think you need one.
2) Internet Connection Sharing = Software, Router = Hardware. You're better off not using software to solve a hardware problem...

Well, looks like popatim will be coming to my rescue. Thanks! I had an extra computer at work that I wasn't using (our old home computer) and I am tired of fighting the missus for time on this one. (She'* a mod on 2 boards on a parenting forum).
popatim PM sent
Thanks for all the advice, as always. When I grabbed the hub and cable I didn't even think about a router and then once I realized that, I started searching online and saw about the Internet Connection Sharing.