Do I need a cross-over cable?

I'm wanting to directly connect two machines, both running Windows 7. I'm wondering whether I will need a cross-over cable for this or not. As I understand it, I will need one unless both machines support Auto-MDIX.

What I don't know is whether Auto-MDIX is a function of the NIC, the O/S, or both. Can anyone tell me in advance whether this will work without a cross-over cable?

I'm at work and the machines are at home. Just trying to determine whether I should buy a cross-over cable today in order to progress with my project tonight.

Solution 1:

Most modern NIC's don't need cross-over cables, since they use auto sensing to find out which cable you plugged in. So use a cross-over or a normal cat5 or cat6 cable, either way you should be good.

Solution 2:

Auto-MDIX is a function of the NIC. It's a required part of gigabit, so you're guaranteed to have it there. If 10/100, you may or may not have it depending on the vendor. Note that gigabit technically requires cat5e or better. Regular cat5 doesn't meet specs (but will typically work anyways if the run is short enough).