Home networking (I hate network bridges), help!

Ok so here is the thing. I have ADSL internet and two computers. One computer is downstaris and one is upstairs. I setup a home network between the two computers using crossover cables that run through my house and windows XP's network bridge capability however I don't like it one bit, it is not stable at all. For example if the client computer restarts than I loose internet connection on the host and have to redial. There are also other problems and basically I am forced to reconfigure the network on each computer almost every day so that it would work. I am looking into other solutions. Can you guys recommend something for me? A router perhaps? Something that will give stable internet connection sharing where I'm not forced to reconfigure the thing every day.

 

Yep, get a 25$ linksys or D-Link router. Four port 100Mb Switch built in.

 

Ok, will check out, thanks.

 

Well I thought I saw um for 25, but walmart says closer to 50...

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product_listing.gsp?cat=126298

I thought I saw um at office depot.

 

Yep, I've basically just bought a linksys wireless router from www.ebuyer.com and then bought a wireless network adapter from eBay for £10 ($20) and thats it all set up. You can use wires and cables so I've got 2 computers set up with wires and my laptop set up with the wireless network adapter.

 

The router will also proved some firewall protection. When you have it set up I would suggest going to www.grc.com (Steve Gibsons website) and running his "Shields up" program. That will tell you if your router settings are providing maximum protection.