Hub or Switch

OK...here's the scoop. I am in the Navy and live aboard the base. We have no cable TV (it's a long story) so housing put in DirecTV for everyone. I was looking at Direct Way, Satellite internet connection, but with the upgrade kit and all they want like a thousand dollars over one year. Forget that. For now I have dial up. It is not ideal, but that is what I have to work with.

I have my computer (Windows XP Home) sitting on my desk and I have finally convinced my wife to let me build her a system (Windows 98SE) for her "craft room" in the basement. The kids are all away at school so we are "empty nesters" for the first time. I want to build a small network so that my wife and I can both be on the internet at the same time. Here is the question.

For dial up service which do I buy...a hub or a switch. For right now it will only be my wife and myself on the network, but when the two kids come home for the summer I want them to have a place to "plug in" and also have internet access. I know this this will be a drain on the network, but we can live with it for 2 1/2 months in the summer...and then they are off to school again. I need something that has at least four ports, but don't need much more. Not sure exactly what to buy. Of course, I know that I need to buy Cat5 cable for both of us, etc. but not sure what way to go. Has anyone else out there set up a small home network with dial up service who can give a guy some advice? Thanks ahead of time.

chaplndave