Networking - Desktop and Laptop

[Boss 260 Ute]

Is it possible to network between a desktop computer and a laptop? It probably is but i'm unsure...

[peyote]

yep if both have network ports
you'll need a crossover cable then run the network setup wizard

[Boss 260 Ute]

Cross-over cable? What is this?

[EA2BA]

It is a cable with a few wires crossed over, it bascially sets the recieve to transmit on end and transmit to recieve, it means the computers can then direct comunicate with each other.

Looks like a network cable but crossed over

[EA2BA]

What OS do they run for a start.

You may have to manually set the IP address etc of both machines to get a successful communication happening.

You are in VIC, anywhere near Oakleigh or Narre, I can help you out.

[DJL351]

If it is something you see yourself using all the time. (as in not a one off trial)

Do it right, spend a couple of bucks and sent up a switch.

$30 cheap 5 port switch and two Cat5 cables. ($10ea depending on the lenth you need)

This also means if you have ADSL you can port it through the switch to both machines.

If your are running XP on both run the setup wizzard and they should hook straight in.

D:

[Boss 260 Ute]

I havn't got a laptop yet but am getting XP Prof...

[peyote]

if the laptop your getting has built in wireless
you could get a wireless PCI card for your pc about $30-$50 then you'll have no cords

[Boss 260 Ute]

Is that the easiest way?

[sgt_doofey]

Originally Posted by Boss 260 Ute

Is that the easiest way?

Easiest way is with cables from my experience. It's also a hell of a lot quicker for copying large files across.

Either:
Laptop -> Cross Over Cable -> PC
Laptop -> Cat5e cable -> Switch -> Cat5e Cable -> PC

Check out the Whirlpool forums as the information you require is probably already there.
http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-threads.cfm?f=9

[boss-290]

Yeah, I reckon you should get a wireless connection. That way you can move your laptop to other rooms.

[Boss 260 Ute]

Originally Posted by boss-290

Yeah, I reckon you should get a wireless connection. That way you can move your laptop to other rooms.

Yeah but with cables can't you just unplug and move to another room and the laptop will work fine? Except for the network of course....

[EA2BA]

Originally Posted by Boss 260 Ute

Yeah but with cables can't you just unplug and move to another room and the laptop will work fine? Except for the network of course....

yes all will be fine except network as you said.

[ssb2005]

wireless is the shiznit. its about as easy to set up as cable network if your using windows XP. you can get around having a wireless router as well by setting the base computer as a gateway.

[peyote]

wireless could come in handy say if your in the shed working on your car
and you need some info off the forum

the easiest and fastest way would be crossover cable
have a look at the whirlpool link sgt doofey posted there's a heap of info on that site

[S3SR]

crossover cable, then set up the network

network connection wizard
next, next, other then next, this computer belongs on a network that does not have an internet connection then next, then just finish..... then finish. then sometimes you have to restart.

otherwise got a router?
plug each comp straight in but setup the network with the 2nd option (residental gateway or something) restart and now if you have broadband its all shared.

if the router has wirelss connection then use the wizard on that to connect.
use WEP, and DHCP.....

[sgt_doofey]

Originally Posted by FALCONSR

use WEP, and DHCP.....

Use WPA if you can. A lot better and more secure. WEP can be broken in minutes if people know what they are doing.

[GTP-814]

if you want speed to transfer files between the 2 machines, & if your PC has broardband or adsl internet access, then buy a switch (5 port hub). Plug your internet modem into the switch & the 2 pc's (following installation process ie XP professional is easiest) via blue network cables & you will have both machines humming. You willl alos need to give mermission on both machines to swap file. Sounds hard but its not really

[Boss 260 Ute]

If wirelessly networked can they still share the same internet connection?

[EA2BA]

yes, you set your desktop to share the internet connection then the laptop leaches off that so to speak. just means both must be on to use the net.