I have a cable modem (NTL) hooked up by USB to my main machine that I want to use with a second system.

I'm not really interested in networking the two machines, just looking for a way to get the second one internet access.

Would just adding a second USB lead to the modem and running it machine #2 do the job? Or will I need to fork out for ethernet boards and a broadband hub?

I've checked various websites but they seem to suggest different methods and even contradict each other on certain things. As this is something I've never dealt with before, I'm a little lost at the moment.

I'm basically looking for the cheapest and easiest way to get the job done.

Anyone got any suggestions?

I've got two computers in my house and both have cable internet access but they are not in a network. I think is the same situation as yours.

What I have is of course the cable modem and a mini-hub (or switch, it's also called that) that hooks both computers together. The hub was quite cheap when I bought it.

I'll try to explain how the wires go. You're cable modem should be hooked to the main cable (the one that comes from the outside probably). From the cable modem change the cable that was hooked to your computer to the hub. Plug the other cable from the other PC also to the hub.
Now you'll need a third cable to hook up the hub to the first PC. That should work. Remeber to configure your second PC for cable modem access (maybe you'll have to call your ISP on this)

To clarify: the hub should have three cables coming out of it. One to first PC, one to second PC and third one to cable modem.

Hope this helps and hope I made myself clear

Cheers,
Ceci

When you say mini-hub, do you mean one of these?

If so, I've already got one that plugs my modem and joypad into the same port. So, if I understand correctly, all I'd need is a another USB lead running for this to the second machine. Is this right?

Not exactly, what you showed me only increases the quantity of USB ports you have. What you need is a cable router or switch that will increase the number of cable ports (I mean the plug that looks like a telephone plug, hope you understand, english is not my first language and this tech things usally are refered to in a lot of different ways)
Found a picture so you can have an idea and looked around a bit and found out that they are called switch or routers.
Here's the picture
Found a lot browsing around. The simplest one should work for you and they come with less outlets, the one I have has 5 and it's enough to hook up 2 computers.

Hope this helps

Cheers,

Ceci