Question on connecting computers

[Brightsword]

will post this in general hardware also...in case this is not the right place.

was wondering if anyone could tell me the best way and what I need to connect two computers together just for data transfer..not networking...my computer will be either a desktop or my laptop, both with win 2k...other computers will be connecting to may have win 98 or other window os's...would like to know the best way, either parallel, serial or usb connection and what components are needed and software..thanks..t

 

[Scarpozzi]

You can connect them using a "direct connect cable". This would use your parrallel port and cost approximately $10-15 for the cable from most office supply stores (staples, office depot, office max, etc.). You can also get a USB version which will be much faster. I have only seen one model and I'm not sure about what the pricing of a USB direct connect cable would be, but you can check online companies like tiger direct. Just to give you an idea of what's out there. (They will let you know what products are available, but I'm not endorsing their customer service)

You can always go the network card route. This would allow the fastest access, but would cost a little bit more. It would especially be more expensive if you don't already have a network card for your laptop. But using a network card would be more stable than a direct connect cable and it would also allow less dependency on your system processor. I hope this has helped.

 

[Brightsword]

thanks Scarpozzi...that is a big help....thought about the ethernet card, but won't do this often and the usb or parallel should suffice for that..

Is there any software necessary, or just connect the cable and my laptop or desktop and it will see the other computer as another hard drive, or do i need to setup some kind of networking or something in win 2k? thanks..t

 

[JackMDS]

Option 1: Install NIC in each computer (PCMCIA in the Laptop), and Connected them with CAT5 Crossover cable. (Cost about $25). You can connect at 100Mb/sec.

Option 2: Get a USB Direct connect Module (this is a USB cable that has a special Network module installed on it). Connect the two computers through the USB; install the Drivers and your are Connected. This type of connection support only 10Mb/sec. (this will cost about $40).

Example: Inland USB Quick Link Cable.

Option 3: Direct Cable Connection, uses printer parallel cable, or COM serial cable. The most inexpensive, but the slowest, and most awkward. (Cost about $10).

You can find settings info here:
Direct Cable Connection.

The easiest ? Option 2
The Cheapest ? Option 3
The fastest with elegant look for the future ? Option 1

 

[Brightsword]

Thanks Jack will go and check that out..t