network between two systems

If you are networking with RJ-45s and don't want to use a hub (not sure why, they're dirt cheap...)
you'll need to use a crossover cable. The old rule of thumb is if connecting like devices, use a crossover, if different, use straight through.

Good luck! Hope this helps.

pin pin
1 <----> 3
2 <----> 6
3 <----> 1
4 < not used >
5 < not used >
6 <----> 2
7 < not used >
8 < not used >

looking at the connector with the clip side up, from left to right.

brown
white brown
green
white blue
blue
white green
orange
white orange

hubs my be cheep however if you have 2 machines in one house that you wish to shair printers and internet conecitons why have one more divice cluttering up a workstation?

Littlewhitedog.com has a great picture of how the normal and crossed ends of a rj 45 cable are suposed to be.