Long term, UTP cabling with a hub is *much* easier to
troubleshoot, you just check all the idiot lights are
green :-)

Also, it's very easy to set up an internal network using
either a linux router ( http://leaf.sourceforge.net/ and
http://lrp.steinkuehler.net/ come to mind) or linksys type
router connected to the hub. The router now does all the
internal network configuration over DHCP, and works
flawlessly with win95/98.

The linux router can work as just a stand-alone network
configuration box, or can talk to dialup, cable, or DSL
modems. Most also have a firewall by default. The linux
router can be made from nearly any old PC with a floppy
drive and a working network card, I've used 486-100's
with no issues.

HTH,
--Glenn Lyford