easiest way to network pc and laptop

[ldone]

I am trying to move data from laptop to a desktop pc. Laptop is running win 2k, pc is running w98se.

Anyone know how to do this request?

 

[Tallgeese]

Do they each have a network card?
Are they connected in any way right now?

 

[WarSong]

Yes, like TallGeese asked, we are going to need more information. Do they both have network cards? If not you can transfer via serial, parallel, infra-red, IEEE 1394, etc.

 

[BCYL]

Network card in each machine (PC and laptop), then connect them using a crossover CAT5 cable...

 

[ldone]

neither has a nic and they are not connected in any way now.
Do I set up a network as usual with a serial cable hookup?

 

[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, $40 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

 

[ldone]

Thanks a bunch Jackmds. Your information is most insightful.

Sounds like all I need is a simple parallel printer cable to share files between computers.
Do I need any special software or will w2k discover the connection with network wizard.

 

[JackMDS]

The following link includes the Instructions for W2K Direct Connect.

Windows 2000 as Direct Cable Connection Client

BTW, you need to buy DB25 to DB25 cable, regular printer cable will not work.

Example: DirectParallel® Basic 4-Bit Cable