first read the site FAQ's, second post in the correct forum, third don't post twice, fourth use google and some appropriate search terms.

Now because you're new you might want to have a look at these places

this one

http://www.kime.net/directcc/directcc95.htm


details connecting two pc's using a serial 'laplink' cable rather than cross over cat5 cable - in case you don't have ethernet cards

and this one

http://www.duxcw.com/digest/Howto/ne...t2pc/intro.htm

details using crossover cables using ethernet cards but without using a hub or switch i.e. what you asked for. Both of these sites detail the setup for Win95/98 but the prinicple is similar for WinXP .... I'm assuming you're using a flavour of windows... if you want linux instructions... well you'll have to say what Os your using... we like having a bit more info up front round here ok?

Z

[edit]
ps can one of the mods move this to an appropriate forum please? ta