Networking in general, Help pls

Can sum1 tell me what a router, hub, network cards, and all the other stuff work and what they do. I want to network 2 computer. Both pretty new, hav xp home and 2.8 ghz or so in them, I want to do this so i can get both of their dial up connections to work at the same time. I want to know what i need and how to do it myself. thanks its a sorta tall order lol

 

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=50107

 

Also refer to this link on Microsoft's site for some general info and helpful tips for networking Windows PCs. This link and sub-sections of it could be very helpful in understanding the overall picture...

 

Share Internet Connection with few Netwoked computers.

Link to: Basic Options for Internet Connection Sharing.

Link to: Hubs, routers, switches, DSL, LANs, WANs...?

Link to: What do I need for wireless Networking?

The pages above were written a while ago. Ignore the prices and the Hardware recommendations, stick to the principles.

Link to: Diagram of Broadband Connection with Cable/DSL Router.

Log to this page it has a lot of links to instructions to Windows Network Settings, and Sharing.

Link to: Windows Network - Installing & Sharing.