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Hi guys/gals,

I am in need of some help... I am trying to link up 2 computers for an upcoming shooting match but don't know how to do it. I pugged in the network cable & both computers show a LAN connection. Is that it? How do I access info that is on one from the other? I am looking for a "puter for dummies" version! Thanks in advance.

Wow, what a question!


Well, if you in fact have a LAN connection (you may or may not depending on a host of factors like cross-over link-ups and network addressing), then accessing data on the other system may be as simple at typing in \\computername\sharename where computername is the name of the other computer and sharename is the share that you manually creqated on the other computer to share your files.


The reality is that you may still have to deal with permissions, network protocols, cross-over cables and operating system quirks, none of which can seriously be addressed without more info from you on what operating system you have and how old the systems you have wired together are.

If you're using Windows/XP, this might help: http://www.makeitsimple.com/how-to/simple.htm.

Greetings--

Computer-to-computer LAN port connections need a crossover ethernet cable.

Many times, its easier to get a cheap 4 port hub/switch. That way, you're not limited to specific (and sometimes unsvailable) cables.

use a crossover cable and you have to manually set the IP-addresses.

Set one computer to 192.168.0.1

and the other to 192.168.0.2

set both subnet masks to 255.255.255.0

These settings are under Lan connection properties (rt click on the icon and go to properties)

You should be able setup file sharing/networking like this.

-nick

Thanks all I will try it out next weekend & report back on success or no!

Dr. Kyle,

Usually, it is CHEAPER to get a Router & 2 patch cables than buy a single Crossover cable!

If you get the Router = 2X cables, it is almost plug in and go.
The router will set the IP addresses for both machines, AND allow you to plug in a 3rd (or more) PC as well.

Highly recommend you follow this path.

~Bill

If you need a crossover cable let me know... I will make one and ship it to you...

Thanks for the support everyone! I am going to try some of the suggestions out this coming Sunday after the USPSA match at RiverCityShooters - shameless plug - hammer down is at 10am!

Hey Marshal - I have a linksys wireless router ... will that work? Thanks.

DrKyle1 wrote:
Hey Marshal - I have a linksys wireless router ... will that work? Thanks.

Perfect.
Do this:

• *1 Turn OFF Computers #1 & #2, and unplug power from router
  *2 Connect Computer #1 Network port using Patch Cable #1 to Router in Port #1
  *3 Connect Computer #2 Network port using Patch Cable #2 to Router in Port #2
  *4 Plug power lead into router, Wait 3 minutes
  *5 Turn on Computer #1
  *6 Turn on Computer #2

Now, all you have to do is put the files in the Shared Folder and both PCs should make the connection. Also, you CAN'T have any firewalls running on the PCs that would block the connection.

That help?

~Bill

Wow great thanks. This will be the first thing we do after the match on sunday.

Thanks guys - I was able to connect the 2 puters & all is well.