2) Linksys 10/100 5-port workgroup switch
A "switch" is also sometimes called a "hub" which is a "dumb" device that connects computers and other network devices together. A "router" is an intelligent device that can also act as a firewall, which protects your home network.
If you have a switch, depending on your Internet service, only 1 computer will have the ability to get on the Internet, and it will be completely exposed to the Internet. SO TURN OFF YOUR COMPUTERS RIGHT NOW!This assumes that you only get a single IP address from your ISP. What you need is to buy a router, like a Linksys, SMC, Netgear, or any of a number of others. But don't throw away your Linksys Switch... Most routers have a 4 port switch built in, but if you need more than just 4 ports, you can "daisy chain" your 5 port linksys switch to the router you're going to buy. That will give you 7 usable ports. On the other hand, if you won't be needing more than 4 ports, you might be able to return the linsys switch for a refund.
But what you definitely need is a router.
Mark
I setup one of my relatives with a switch yesterday, but they were running Mac's, not Windows. A Windows box exposed to the internet is like an unlocked car left unattended in downtown Detroit at 3 am. Time to breakin is measured in seconds, not minutes.
The plot thickens ...
The switch is the newest additon . . . the oldest child purchased it because it was the cheapest item available. BUT - the regulator router still does not work.
Tomorrow I will exchange the switch for a router - hopefully that will solve out problem.