do you not want to use a router? that would be the best way to go plus it would add more protection since they have a built in hardware firewall in them. I have seen some pretty low prices for a basic wired router. I have seen some on walmart.com wired and wireless in the $20's.

As far as I know Ethernet splitter allows two computers to share one Ethernet line, but it does NOT support both computers to connect to the line simultaneously. So disconnection of 1 computer would be necessary to connect.

I'd go with a router.

A splitter probably won't work unless your modem has the ability to assign multiple IP addresses, and it probably doesn't. Buy a router. If you don't need wireless, almost anything will work. Check eBay or Craigslist.

I would just get a router. Connect the cable that currently goes to the computer to the router and connect both computers to the router. You can probably find one for $20-$30 (and it will probably do both wired and wireless in case you decide to move one of the PCs to a different part of the house.

You may find someone has extra routers they would be willing to give away or sell cheap, I have probably 4 extra old ones packed up in my office. Local pc parts and builder shops may carry used ones too. But there really are some inexpensive ones around.
this is an area on one of the other forums I am on where users buy and sell and trade.

Here is a link that might be useful: forsale

I appreciate everyone's helpful information. Sure sounds better than me getting involved with possible IP problems. You caused me to remember a Linksys someone gave me many years ago. I found it but not the power supply. I wonder what happens to those things. Thanks again, Gene

I think they end up with the missing socks.