Best way to connect Two Computers

[jarsoffart]

What is the easiest way to connect two computers to transfer a bunch of files, like 4-5 gigs. I have one laptop that has an ethernet port, parallel port, and USB and a desktop that has those too. I was thinking the ethernet would be the fastest but how would I connect them together with minimal changing of settings.

 

[TweakedOut]

Get a crossover cable. Put both computers in same workgroup.
Computer #1 - IP address 10.0.0.1 subnet mask 255.255.255.0
Computer #2 - IP address 10.0.0.2 subnet mask 255.255.255.o

 

[JackMDS]

Option 1: Install Network Interface Card (NIC) in each computer (PCMCIA in the Laptop), and Connected them with CAT5 Crossover cable. (Cost about $25 between Desktops, $45 between Desktop to Laptop). You can connect at a speed 100Mb/sec.

Option 2: Mixed connection. If one computer has NIC) or you want to put one. Get an Ethernet to USB adaptor. You connect it with CAT 5 to your computer, and the adaptor goes to the USB port in the second computer (Cost about $15 more then open 1). BTW: regardless of what they say it is Max 10Mb/sec connection).

Example: EZ CONNECT COMPACT USB 10/100 CONVERTER.

Option 3: Get a USB Direct. Connect Module (this is a USB cable that has a special Network module installed on it). Connect the two computers through the USB; install the Drivers and your are Connected. T his type of connection supports only a speed of 10Mb/sec. (this will cost about $40-$50).

6FT USB FILE TRANSFER AND NETWORKING CABLE.

Option 4: Direct Cable Connection, uses printer parallel cable, or COM serial cable. The most inexpensive, but the slowest, and most awkward. (Cost about $10).

You can find settings info here:
Direct Cable Connection.

The easiest - Option 3
The Cheapest - Option 4
The practical - Option 2
The fastest with elegant look for the future - Option 1

 

[Synoptic]

Since you already have the ethernet ports, go with Tweak's solution, it will be much easier and a whole lot cheaper.