Connecting two computers

[macampbell]

Hi Could somebody please explain how best to connect my laptop to my desktop computer for exchange of files etc. I used to use a serial cable with laplink, but that is now gone, the desktop's m/b is Asus A7N8X Deluxe with network socket, and the laptop is IBM Thinkpad with network socket.
I do not know anything about ethernet or anything to do with these sockets my internet is via a fujitsu broadband usb modem so please make it simple for me to follow Thanks :confused:

[BipolarBill]

http://forums.itrc.hp.com/cm/QuestionAnswer/1,,0xcb803f9a15add711abdc0090277a778c,00.html

Hey Mac - could you see fit to include your Windows version(s) when requesting help?

[macampbell]

Sorry WINXP on the desktop, WIN98SE on the Laptop

[BipolarBill]

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp_filesharing/index.htm

[ConfusedAlien]

HEY THATS WHAT I DO EVERYDAY

long time ago, i used direct connection cable, you know, parallel thing? looks like printer cable?
that was when i had 98 on both my laptop and desktop.
now that i have win2k and xp, i was thinkin of getting a D.C. cable AGAIN, but ethernet cable. alot faster. then i asked bpb for advise.
of course, he came out empty and someone else saved the day. Go to compusa and ask for a laptop HD link. its the size of your index finger. very small. it should be at the corner of the store, when you walk in compusa, where they do the comp. repairs. theres a wall on the left, where they have fans and cables etc. check bottom right. theres this little pack with bubble wrap, that has the kit. remember its small, and it costs 7 bucks. its the best way Ive done it until now.

all you have to do is just unscrew the laptop HD, plug the connecter and PS in, and set it to secondary master. that means plug the CD drives out. if you pm me, i can direct step by step. bpb wasnt too great at giving directions without his starbucks grande chai.:D

[ConfusedAlien]

if you want to go my way that is.
i'll get you pics too if you need it.

[macampbell]

Sounds good ConfusedAlien, but I might not get it here in the UK, I am thinking of getting a cat5 cable to connect the two and take it from there. Been reading "how stuff works".

[Midknyte]

you'll need a CROSSOVER cable, not a patch cable to connect 2 computers directly.

[cat5e]

Log to this page you will find a collection of links that might help.

Basic Networking. (http://www.ezlan.net/basic.html)

.

[macampbell]

Thanks guys for all the links, they should keep me busy for a while

[ConfusedAlien]

AAAAAH! this IS the easiest way!
http://www.cablesonline.net/lib/cablesonline/MK-004.JPG thats what your lookin for. no more than $8.

find it here (http://www.cablesonline.net/25hdmounkitw.html)

for a more permanent solution, this is prescribed by baddog.
HD mounting kit (http://www.pccables.com/cgi-bin/orders6.cgi?action=Showitem&partno=00504)

id go with solution 1. easiest.

[BipolarBill]

:rolleyes:

[ukulele]

Who wants to plug and unplug their HD every time they want to sync data? Eventually you'll ruin the bus connectors with that device. It looks to me like it's only good for occasional backup or data transfer. I ain't the same as networking. :cool:

If you want fast and easy data transfers with out the hassle of setting up a network, try a USB Smart Media reader/writer.

[macampbell]

Thanks Guys, I will go the USB smart media way, the easiest of all.

[dyurdz]

Confusedalien: That's just what I need. Too bad I can't find that here in the Philippines. :( (either its not available here or it's just hard to find)

[macampbell]

dyurdz you're not the only one, can't get here in the UK either.

512 memory pen drive is best.

[ukulele]

If you transfer that much stuff every day, a fst cdrw does a great job too.

[ConfusedAlien]

well thats 130 bucks here in US. good luck with that.
yea, for 130 bucks, get yourself a cdrw. cant cost too much nowadays? then after your done, you can take it out of the enclosure and put it in your desktop, like i did.