What's the cheapest way for me to network (wired) my two computers to the web?

I have two computers that I would like to network, mostly so they can share a connection to the Internet (cable modem). What's the cheapest way for me to do this, using a wired network (not wireless, too expensive)?

Do I need a router AND a switch to link up the two computers and modem?

Can I network a machine running Win98 with a machine running WinXP?

What's the cheapest way for me to network (wired) my two computers to the web?antispyware

You can certainly have both computers on the same network.

If you're willing to spend some time on it, you can also get them to share printers, or swap files directly between them.

You need two things, a router, and a switch. Luckily, it's very easy to buy a router which has a switch built in. I'd expect to pay between $40-80 in the US. If you'd like to get a good deal, check your local Sunday newspaper for ads, there will probably be a few on sale, in the office %26 computer stores.

Some extra features you'll see which you don't need:

wireless- it's not very expensive, but computer cables are still probably cheaper.

modem- if your cable company doesn't charge you rent on the modem they give you, there's no reason to replace it.

vpn- you probably won't use it, and on a cheap unit, it wouldn't be terribly good anyway