Quickest way to connect a laptop and a desktop pc.

viking12344 · 12-29-2002, 01:44 PM

One is running xp , the other win98. What would I need component wise to make this quick and easy?

Thanks

vass0922 · 12-29-2002, 04:27 PM

Is this something you'd want to grow in the future or do just want quick and dirty?
fastest/cheapest way is directly with a ethernet cable. (yeah you can use serial but it'll take 6 months to do any serious transfers)

For ethernet connection, you'll need a NIC (network interface card) in both machines. If your laptop doesn't already have a NIC built in you can get a PCMCIA card for your NIC.. then get a PCI card for your PC. Once you get both of those get a Cross over ethernet cable to connect them

Or if you want something you can grow into down the road, you can get a hub or a router so if you want to put another machine on the network you can just plug them into the hub/router.
Mind you if you have a hub, you want a straight through cable the type of cable you get is very important.

PC to PC/laptop = cross over
PC to hub/switch/router = straight through

12-30-2002, 06:31 AM

Once you have a physical connection like vass suggested, then you just need to make sure both comps are in the same workgroup and same subnet. Go to network in control panel, and make sure TCP/IP is loaded, and then you can manually set the IP address, subnet mask in TCP/IP properties for the NIC, and check the workgroup under the identification tab.

My suggestion would be to set the PC to 192.168.0.1, subnet mask 255.255.255.0, and the lappy to 192.168.0.2, same subnet mask. Workgroup can be anything as long as it's one word and the same for both copmps.

Of course, you may have to modify this if either the PC or the lappy is already networked to other PC's.

Good luck.

Cheers
Mick

dunbar · 12-30-2002, 06:40 AM

Direct Cable Connection is ok for once in a blue moon transfers...

Dax_Brandy · 12-30-2002, 06:44 AM

for transfering files only, i use a USB direct cable link between my laptop and desktop. it is up to 6Mbps of file transfer speed. not bad at all.

for serious works between 2 pcs, i prefer using an ethernet card. more flexible and high speed.

12-30-2002, 07:16 AM

You can also get USB ethernet adapters like this if you don't wanna put a NIC in the PC or lappy.

Cool devices they are!

Cheers
Mick

caruso1013 · 02-24-2008, 08:12 AM

ok, I am looking to connect my new lap top to my old desktop and not quite sure how to do this. Could i connect with a direct cable computer to computer? with out a router. I just have to transfer a few photos and files. This forum looks easy for me as i am not a advid computer guy but learning as i go.

Thanks Anthony

caruso1013 · 06-16-2008, 12:23 PM

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superpotts · 06-16-2008, 07:44 PM

You can set up an ad-hoc network, either wired or wireless. Your new laptop should have an internal wireless card, and you can buy a wireless adapter for your desktop if you don't already have one.

If you go wired, then you'll need to get a crossover cable, which is different from normal network cabling so be sure you get the right thing.

You can find detailed instructions all over the internet on how to set up an ad-hoc network.

vergara · 09-29-2008, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caruso1013

ok, I am looking to connect my new lap top to my old desktop and not quite sure how to do this. Could i connect with a direct cable computer to computer? with out a router. I just have to transfer a few photos and files. This forum looks easy for me as i am not a advid computer guy but learning as i go.

Thanks Anthony

This was actually answered on the first reply on this thread.