[markw10]

I have a friend who has a Mac Mini and currently has two LAN cables she needs to use. One is for a Ethernet printer. The other is for a Internet connection (Comcast Cable Internet). For now she is constantly switching between the two and wants stop doing that.
I suggested a network hub or switch but I'm wondering if it's as simple as that. If she purchases a hub or a switch if she simply connects to two cables into that will everything work fine? Any suggestions of a good but reasonably priced switch/hub?
As well, will any changes need to be made on the computer itself or will this be automatic when both are connected?
One last question: I know for home use I have a actual router but I have a home network and share the internet connection which she won't be using so I assume that is a router isn't necessary. Am I correct?
Thanks in advance for any help.

[ghporter]

Don't get a "hub," get a switch, or better yet a router. For as little as $30US you can find decent routers with 4 port switches. These are easy to set up and use and allow the user to share the Internet connection, share peripherals (like the printer) and files among his or her computers. They also place a barrier between the Internet and your computers for security, which is important even with Macs.