Computers Networking

Okay, I'm trying to set up a network between my computer and my family's. The two are in separate rooms, but are still very close. I'm trying to think of an effective, economical solution to link the two PC's. I have a few options:

1. Run a long cord between the two computers and the hardware I still have to buy
2. Wireless ... but this costs mucho dinero
3. Move my computer into the other room to save from having to run that cord everywhere

Is there an option I have maybe overlooked?
Also, what should I look for in hardware?

 

I was afraid of something like that ... time to break the bank again.

 

A router is not strictly necessary.

- duxcw.com
If you are only connecting two computers, grab a crossover cable, like the ones available here (it also has instructions for making your own ) Of course, you will also need a NIC (ethernet card) in both computers.

A cheap route to consider is to use a direct cable connection. Back int he day before I got wireless, I ran a null modem cable between the parallel port of my laptop and the parallel port of my desktop to transfer files. Most every computer should have one of those (parallel port = printer port) though apparently it's also possible with serial and USB ports, though I have no personal DCC experience with anything other than parallel ports. To get DCC to work all you should have to buy is the cable. You may need some patience though..

 

If you don't have an ethernet interface on both computers, buy one for each machine that needs one.

If you plan on being able to add more machines to the network in the future you should buy a switch (~€35 for a 4-port 100Mbit switch) and some straight-through cable.
If you're on a tight budget at the moment a cross-over cable between the two machines will suffice, but you won't be able to add anymore nodes to the network without extra hardware (ie a switch).

To make a crossover cable, look at this: HOW-TO Crossover

Then under networking properties -> TCP/IP set the IP addresses of the two machines to 192.168.0.1 and 192.168.0.2 with the subnet mask set to 255.255.255.0
If running windows you should ensure that the Computer Name is in FULL CAPS, and is the same as the Computer Description.
The workgroup name should be the same on both PCs (ie HOME or whatever you like) and in CAPS.
To diretly share files over Windows Filesharing (smb) you just enable it under networking properties.
Alternatively setup ftpd's on both machines and use FTP to transfer files.
This is just a basic setup to allow PC-to-PC communication.
If you want to share a net connection between them you'll need to provide a little more information.

Enjoy

 

my network

i went and bought a wireless belkin router for like 60$ and a nic card for my laptop about 40$ and that is my network