Can anyone advise about setting up a LAN so we can play games together on different home computers?

[BewareTheBeardedDragon]

The family computer is a desktop Mac, and ds has a windows laptop. Both connected to WiFi internet (virgin if relevant)

I would like to set up a lan so that we can play together (minecraft) across both computers. I've read lots on the internet but I'm still confused. Can anyone advise me, either what exactly I will need to do this, or where I could go to find this out (non techie dummies guide needed...)

If they're connected to the same wifi, they're on the same LAN.

But the games might run better if you can connect the computers with ethernet cables to your router. Virgin Media routers usually have four LAN ports. If yours only has one, connect a network switch to the router and the computers to the switch.

Currys and most supermarkets charge rip-off prices for the cables. We're talking £10 pounds when an equivalent cable online is £1.50. If you must buy in a physical store, try Wilko or Poundland.

There's Cat5, Cat5e, and Cat6, and all of them will handle the fastest speed your computers can do! So there's no point paying extra for the higher category, unless you're putting permanent wiring in your home.

I'll ask my son tomorrow
He's the gadget person in our house

Thank so much - I thought that they should be, but they can't seem to detect each other over the WiFi and I can't work out how to make them. The family computer is downstairs and ds computer is upstairs so it would not work to connect with a cable sadly, because it would have to run through several doorways and up the stairs.

Hi, DS suggested playing on the same server, it is multiplayer and others could join but easy to do. Other options are creating your own server which is more complicated.

Thanks @MrsVeryTired - this is a great idea. Thank your ds for me please.