linking with my laptop

[jon]

Hi.
I am totally new to networking so help/advice is needed
please.
Ive got xp pro on a desktop pc and want to link my laptop
running xp home to my desttop .
could someone please tell me what leads / adapters i would
need.
I thought maybe i could just get a usb lead and link them
together. get data off of laptop then unplug it. is it as
simple as this.
I looked on a pc parts web site and they were talking
about crossover leads is this all i need.?
Many many thanks for any help posted.
Jon

 

[ck]

you can link with ieee1394 (firewire) which is quite
fast, but both ports need to be configured to the same
speed (they generally are unless the laptop is an old
sony...)

or you can use network, which should work better. For
this, you need either a crossover cable which plugs from
one to another (both need a network port 10/100).

This is good but provides no scaling, and can be
troublesome to set up. the best option is to use a
switch hub (can be as cheap as £8) and two cables. This
will allow you to plug more PC's in (network gaming
etc...) and will work more reliably. If you have
broadband, purchasing a router instead of a switch hub
will allow you to share your broadband connection without
having to share it via a PC. These are about £30, and
generally aren't too hard to set up. This can also give
you added virus protection.

If you want most convenient, then you can get the above
solutions in wireless form, which is the most expensive
option, but will allow you to move your laptop around the
house and still be connected, or you can use a wireless
hub but attach it to the desktop with a cable, then use
the wireless just for the hub.

Hope that helps,

ck

 

[jon]

Thank you, i will have to look at wireless, sounds good.
My laptop is a satelite 1100. not a year old yet.
Fingers crossed.
Jon