computer hookups
Moderator: Wiz Feinberg
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winston
- Posts: 1477
- Joined: 4 Aug 1998 11:00 pm
- Location: Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
computer hookups
Can 2 computers be hooked together so info from one can be transferred to the other? Both are in the same household. thanks.
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Everett Cox
- Posts: 497
- Joined: 13 Jul 1999 12:01 am
- Location: Marengo, OH, USA (deceased)
Winston -- Yes. But let's clarify - there is a big difference in simply transferring files between machines as opposed to doing something WITH files located on a distant machine. Often, people say the former but really need the latter.
If you DO just need file transfer, there are several approaches. If the machines are close together, you can use a cable (similar to printer cables) and the DirectCableConnection feature included with Windows. Not wonderful, but simple, free (except a $15 cable) and works for many of us.
Or you can install NetworkInterfaceCards in each machine, appropriate software and cabling for relatively little expense.
There are also some methods involving the use of existing house wiring. (Danger???)
I've never needed or used anything but DCC and LAPLINK (a commercial product which does about the same thing). I'm NOT an expert!
Lastly, if you need (now or later) to create/modify files or run programs residing on a different computer -- you require a 'remote control' program. There are several available costing from less that $100 to $700
which do a poor or great job, depending.
I know a little about a few - feel free to email. -- Everett<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Everett Cox on 22 February 2001 at 12:52 PM.]</p></FONT>
If you DO just need file transfer, there are several approaches. If the machines are close together, you can use a cable (similar to printer cables) and the DirectCableConnection feature included with Windows. Not wonderful, but simple, free (except a $15 cable) and works for many of us.
Or you can install NetworkInterfaceCards in each machine, appropriate software and cabling for relatively little expense.
There are also some methods involving the use of existing house wiring. (Danger???)
I've never needed or used anything but DCC and LAPLINK (a commercial product which does about the same thing). I'm NOT an expert!
Lastly, if you need (now or later) to create/modify files or run programs residing on a different computer -- you require a 'remote control' program. There are several available costing from less that $100 to $700
which do a poor or great job, depending.
I know a little about a few - feel free to email. -- Everett<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Everett Cox on 22 February 2001 at 12:52 PM.]</p></FONT>
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Lou[NE]
- Posts: 192
- Joined: 3 Dec 2000 1:01 am
- Location: Weston, NE USA
I've been happy with the PCI Network-in-a-Box from LinkSys. For about $85 you get two network cards and cables, software for same, and a 5-port hub. I got mine about Christmas time, and they were offering a $15 rebate. I'm not a big network guy, but I can read and follow directions, and this was easy to install and set up. You'll need an empty PCI slot in each of your computers.
What I get from this is the ability to move files from one PC to another, share one printer amongst all my PCs, and to play games head-to-head.
Hope this is helpful, and good luck.
Lou
What I get from this is the ability to move files from one PC to another, share one printer amongst all my PCs, and to play games head-to-head.
Hope this is helpful, and good luck.
Lou
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Alan Michael
- Posts: 400
- Joined: 24 May 2000 12:01 am
- Location: Winston-Salem North Carolina U.S.A.
You can also set up your network to share an internet connection without having the expense of installing modems in each machine. You can go to Windows Help, click the index tab and browze until you find "network" for explanations and directions for doing this. It will also tell you how to enable file and printer sharing.