So I can  play games, like Black Hawk Down  between me and the kids?
Is this something I can do myself, or does it take someone with a little experience?

To play games on the internet, a router would be easiest. It splits your internet connection so many people can use one line. There won't be any actual network between the two, but both computers will be able to access the same internet game server.

I have my two computers linked using a Netgear hub and 2 network cards. I still haven't found a way to get the two computers to see each other in a video game though. I think you may have to set one of them up as a server.

Just pick up a cross-over ethernet cable.  You local computer store should have 'em.  It'll cost you around 10.00.  This will only allow the two PCs to see each other, if you want to do the internet sharing that Sodie mentioned, I would go with a Linksys router, and those run anyway from 50 - 150.  If you need any help, send me an email.

2 nics and a router, and yes there is a network between the computer but u need to set it up in the settings

with internet games some problems will arise
1. many many games do not allow multiple connections from one IP address, can get another one from cable ISP but will cost you a few extra bucks.

2. Games that do allow multiple connections sometimes requires multiple copies/keys/codes of/for the game IE half-life

This explains quite a bit.....

[url]http://www.practicallynetworked.com/howto/[/url]