dumb question: can I, after loading program through usb+mega+ethernet shield, use the ethernet shield stand alone without the mega connected? I saw something like this on sainsmart.
Karl
No.
There is a Arduino Ethernet
That is a combination of a Arduino Uno and a Ethernet Shield.
Understand, ...
what are the analog input pins on the ethershield used for. Are they just pass through for the arduino board?
Only pass-through. They are not used.