Connecting computers...

  • Thread starter Thread starter Rob Outman
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Rob Outman

Hi all...

I am wondering what the cheapest simplest way to connect two computers
togerther is for the of transfering files. Both computers have windows XP
(one is home edition and one is Pro edition). I only need to transfer a ton
of files from one to the other, but don't want to burn a bunch of CD's to do
it.

Is there another alternative? What about simply using a usb cable and
connecting to both machines?

I have also heard of using a crossover? but only one of the systems has a
network card and I would rather not have to buy another.

Thanx in advance for any help you can give.

Rob
 
"Rob Outman" said:
Hi all...

I am wondering what the cheapest simplest way to connect two computers
togerther is for the of transfering files. Both computers have windows XP
(one is home edition and one is Pro edition). I only need to transfer a ton
of files from one to the other, but don't want to burn a bunch of CD's to do
it.

Is there another alternative? What about simply using a usb cable and
connecting to both machines?

I have also heard of using a crossover? but only one of the systems has a
network card and I would rather not have to buy another.

Thanx in advance for any help you can give.

Rob
Click to expand...

The cheapest way, which is also the slowest and the most difficult to
set up, is to create a direct cable connection between the parallel
port on the two computers. It requires a special parallel data
transfer cable. This site has details

DirectParallel® and Direct Cable Connection (DCC) Step-by-Step SETUP
http://www.lpt.com/Support/DCC-SetUp/dcc-setup.htm

For an Ethernet network connection, both computers need a network
adapter. You can usually find a PCI network adapter for $10 or less
on sale at a computer store in the USA. If you don't want to open the
box to install a network card, get a USB network adapter.

A crossover cable should cost $10 or less.

Any USB networking solution would cost much more. It isn't possible
to connect two computers using a standard USB cable, but there are
USB-to-USB cables, with added circuitry, that can connect two
computers directly. Here are some sites for more information:

http://www.buslink.com/usbtrans.htm
http://www.usbcable.com/94-3832.htm
http://catalog.belkin.com/usbpopup.process?pc_id=20963&Catalog_ID=1
http://www.usbstuff.com
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

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