Hub or Switch?

[XDAHMERX]

What is the difference between a hub and a switch? Are they the same thing? Which one do you need?
The first misconception is that hubs and switches are the same thing. The truth is they do similar things but in different ways. A hub is a layer one device, layer one is the dumbest of all networking devices. A switch is a layer two device, quite a bit smarter. In simpler terms a hub is a dumb switch. Think about it this way the hub isn't smart enough to ask a question directly to the person its for, so it yells and hopefully the person its meant for will answer. A switch is smart enough to ask a direct question to the person its for. The benefits that you will gain with a switch is a reduction of network traffic, and faster network activity. To answer the last question, "which one do you need?" get a switch you will be happier in the long run.