Ok I got an old 486 system that I found int the garage that booted right up and I actually found in my old parts a modem that will fit it (before PCI).
And even more amazing I found a PCI modem.
I know and remember from my networking classes that you can set up a modem to operate like a normal network connection (only much much slower) but having not dealt with this old stuff for near a decade someone refresh my memory please...?

Hi,
As far as I know, unfortunately, you cannot directly hook a modem to a regular LAN network (using TCP/IP, IPX, etc.). The modem has to dial into another PC / server / device using SLIP or PPP, and that device acts as a gateway.

If you have a hub at home, you're better off finding an old PCI or ISA network card.

Sorry.

I have two modem cards that I can install. One into the old box, one into a newer. Then run a normal phone line between them.

Oh... I haven't done that, but I've heard of it.

Personally, I'd find a couple old network cards and a network crossover cable. Set up each card with reserved addresses (10.0.0.1 and 10.0.0.2, and make sure the subnet masks are the same), and then you can set up a network share on one. This will work back to Windows 3.1.

Sorry I couldn't help more.

Well the thing is I do not think I could find an ISA (I think) network card even if I tried. And even I did it would not be anywhere near new, and questionable on working at least.

just checking to make sure my darned stats show up

I was actually amazed that I did find an old ISA network card (or should I be considering the source) on Ebay.
Paid a little over $8 for it and shipping...
This damned computer better crunch big time!