Thanks Jon, we have a BT Homehub which is wired to my PC and Danny's is connected wirelessly via a USB BT wireless adapter for internet access.

Rather than mess about with trying to fit wireless network cards I think I'll go with the cables 'cos we are both on the same floor and his room is opposite my "workshop/study" so it shouldn't be too difficult to just cross the hallway.

However, maybe I am just thick, but I still don't understand how if both PCs are hooked to the same hub, why they can't interact with each other DUH!

John