networking 101

[Don]

Sean,
        I am running 2 NICS without a hub. I don't think the MAC address
is important because I am connecting to @home without a hitch. I can
surf, and send email. I just cant get these 2 machines connected. I will
look into the IPchains, but my question remains unanswered. Do I need
the IPchains to network these 2 machines? The lights on the NICS do not
come on when I connect the two computers, but the lights do come on when
I connect either machine to the cable modem. Does that mean anything? I
think I am going to call it a night. My girlfriend is feeling neglected.
:)  She's beginning to get jealous of my computers, and that's not a
good sign.  :P  

Thanks,
Don