Crossover vs. Patch CAT5 cable...

I have two computers that only access the internet through each their own dial-up service, so there is no intentions of sharing an internet connection. I do, however, want to be able to pass files between the two and run a program called RADMin (Remote Administrator) (lets you see the desktop of another computer and work as if you were in front of it - much like PC Anywhere and XP's Remote Assistant) Each computer has a NIC and runs 98.
Could I use a CROSSOVER CAT5 cable and go computer to computer, giving each an IP address and use NETBEUI (spelling?) or would I want to use a HUB and use PATCH CAT5 cable?
Which is easier? Which is better?
I don't think high speed internet or DSL will ever be in these computer's future.
Thanks for the advise.

 

For your situation, I'd suggest crossover cable running from PC to PC. You would not see any benefit from a hub or switch and would be adding that device plus an additional piece of cable for no benefit.

Use NetBEUI if you'd like. It was designed for simple setup and small networks and yours certainly qualifies.

NetBEUI does not need/use/understand TCP/IP so no address needed. As long as the cable is correct, the PCs in the same workgroup, and the PCs with different names (workgroup and PC names 15 or fewer characters, no spaces, no characters other than alphanumeric or - or _ ) then NetBEUI will take care of the rest.