networking 2 comps w/ crossover cable?

just got a laptop that i would like to get onto the internet with. I would like to use the internet connection directly from the desktop instead of running another line from the router into my room.

it is my understanding that i need 2 ethernet cards installed on the desktop as well as a crossover cable (which is apparently different from a cat5 or rj45)

just want to confirm that this will work before i go out and buy the extra stuff. anyone using this kind of setup? thoughts?

thx

that will work if you know how to set up ICS (internet connection sharing) or some other equivalent software that will do NAT.

is the connection in your house already split using that router? if so, you getting an ethernet card and a crossover to do this will probably cause a bunch of headaches. i strongly suggest just patching into the already existing wire with a normal ethernet cable.

also, a crossover cable IS category 5, but the ends (which are RJ(registered jack)45 just like a normal ethernet cable) are crimped (wired) slightly differently.