Connecting two computers

How do I do this quickly?

[hannamyluv]

I have some (okay, a few thousand) files on an old computer, I want to transfer the files quickly and easily to a new computer. I really don't want to spend a few hours burning CDs and I don't know how to network a computer, nor do I want to spend money to network an old computer.

So (this may sound silly but I am not a really technical hardware person) can I use a usb extention cord to connect the two and just transfer that way?

[kahuna]

possibly pull the old drive out and temp stick in new computer.

Cross over patch cable but then you need to know a little about (network) something... but that may not be your expertise.

Paralel printer cable method... but is very slow, and a little about networking.

[bunltd]

You'd need a USB hub and two USB cables - you can get one at Office Depot or CompUSA or such for around $10-20 (the hub will probably come with one cable, you probably already have one. Hope that helps.

LisaB

[MatthewHSE]

I think you can run a two-machine network just by plugging a network cable into the LAN cards of both computers. I've never tried that, but I've heard it works, and it would be the easiest method.

[Milamber]

That wont work Matthew unless you're using a crossover cable.