[Flaser]

From what he's told me he linked the PC's directly .. lol
No hub, no switch. Just the cable.

He must be using a patch cable instead a cross link one.

[Ghostavo]

But then how would his applications recognize the other computer?

[KewlToyZ]

I think IPX allows for it. It is an old protocol.
If he really wantes a proper network and actually use them at much better speeds he needs to at least get a hub.
Direct links are not very good at all since the tech is very old and not useful for business expansion.
Its like trying to use a token LAN ring in todays systems, poses no value.

[Colonol Dekker]

Seven P's. Never forget them or reality and clients will bite you in the arse.

Eh? Seven P's?

Perfect Planning and Preperation Prevent Piss Poor Performance