just wondering if..

if i get a router that says 'ethernet' does it mean that both computers im connecting it to hav to hav an ethernet card of some sort?

 

Yes,
Unless it's a wireless router.
Then you could have a wireless card instead.

 

how do i know if the computer i am on now has a ethernet card?

 

If you're running Win XP -
Start > Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance > System > Hardware Tab > Device Manager > Expand Network Adaptors
List of NICs installed on your computer. (Network Interface Cards)

 

ok thanks, i do hav ethernet adaptor, phew!