what??
you do NOT need a hub to conect two computers.
i have frequently used just a crossed cat5 cable. not costing more than a regular cable (some do but only marginally), i have even made X'ed ones myself (i have the tools for both coax and rj45...).
the setup below is one i used before i got broadband.
computer1--crosover-cable--computer2-modem--phoneline
the truble you mention is that the normal straight ocver cable wont work between two computers, but a crosover will.
be certain to use the right pairs if ever making yourown cable. the pairs are matched to reduce interference and thus increse speed and reliability for my roll of cable it looks like this )for me your milage may vary WILDLY).
Code:
Wirecolor	Name 	Pin	Pin 	Name	wirecolor
(might vary)					(might vary)
White/Orange	TX+	1	3	RX+	White/Orange
Orange		   TX-   2   6  RX-	Orange
White/Green	 RX+	3	1  TX+	White/Green
Green		    RX-	6   2  TX-  Green
Blue			        4   4	    Blue
White/Blue		     5	5 	   White/Blue
White/Brown		    7   7     White/Brown
Brown			       8   8		   Brown
pleese be certain that you know what you do. otherwise hardwaredamage may result.