hubs

[embsys]

i'm connecting my linux box to a pc and a mac. i was wondering if a hub could be reccomended to me. are there any hardware specs i should look for? is a passive, maneagable, or switching hub preferable? is one hub better than another?

[mdwatts]

Any name brand will do. 10 or 10/100 depending on your requirements although with the prices coming down you might as well get a 10/100. I just replaced my 5-port hub with a D-Link 8-port 10/100 switch. Works great although more expensive than a standard hub.

If you just have the 2, then you could consider using a crossover cable and then a hub/switch is not necessary. This special cable allows a direct connection between two PC's etc.

[FoBoT]

for home use, just get the cheapest
the technology is mature enough that any differences in brands wouldn't be noticed on a home LAN

here is a small (4-port) switch for only $37
http://www.compgeeks.com/details.asp?invtid=205-0763

here is a cheap 5-port hub ($25)
http://www.pagecomputer.com/cgi-bin/utsearch?cd=02&sku=ATC00025

switches are faster than hubs under load, most home lans have such small load that it wouldn't make a difference