You can use both a hub and a switch as a connection to the net, but nither will work as required. The reason a router will work is its ability to clone or supply a MAC address, if you use a switch or a hub the connection will only work on the computor which has the correct mac address assinged to it. The introduction of a second computor to the hub/switch will make no differance, as the ISP will no connect to an unknown MAC address. I know my ISP allows me to switch MAC address through selfcare, but unless i pay for another IP address, I can only use a single MAC address at one time. if you have a way round this please tell me this could save me money.

Costs;see for yourselfs
10/100 duel speed 4 port hub $55.00
10/100 5 port TX switch $59.00
10/100 4 port cable router $96.00
Im not trying to be cleaver, but this guy needs good information he doesant want to waste time. If im wrong im sorry, please dont flame me.