Two Computer Network

[Ryan8720]

I have a desktop and a notebook computer. I want to network the two together so they can file share and the notebook can print through the desktop. What is the best way to go about this? The notebook has a 10/100 Ethernet in it. I can add a 10/100 ethernet to the desktop if that is what I need. It currently has no ethernet card. If possible, I would like to do this without using a hub.

[SMXwebcrawler]

You can do it without a hub, you need to just goto the local computer store and get a Cat5 UTP cross over cable.

"Note: Make sure you get a cross over cable or it wont work. Normal cables only work with hubs."

Then plug in and go and that should be it. Just make sure you assign the IP's because otherwise it could get messy especially if you are sharing anything e.g. files or printers.

S

[ggrot]

I'll add to SMXwebcrawler's correct statement that you will need a second network card for the desktop to make this work. Look around and you can almost always find these for $10 or less.

[ben_j]

Another option would be to go with bluetooth. So long as both computers have usb, you should be able to pick up bluetooth usb adapters from places like ebay for not much more than the price of a cross over cable.

[lukasz]

Bluetooth for me would be a very last option - probably the slowest of all other options.
I used cross over cable - it is all right as long as neither of the computers is connected to the net.
Please remember to set up manually both IP addresses as OS is defaulted to get it automatically - it caused me a lot of problems. (you choose diffrent IP addresses for computers and the same subnet mask). Also remember to have the same workgroup name in both computers.
Second option would be to go wirelles with wi-fi. It very easy to set-up on xp, however you would need to buy wireless adaptors for both computers. Probably the most expensive way of networking - but it is really worth it especially if you have broadband.