How do I hook up these 2 computers

[Bkanneg]

I have a Dell Dimension XPS B1000r running Win XP Home edition, and an IBM Thinkpad laptop running Win 2000 professional. I would like to be able to link these two machines up to share some files back and forth. What would I need to to this? The Dell doesn't have a network card, but the laptop does. Can I use a USB cable or something like that? I am just looking for a simple, easy way to hook them up.

I appreciate all help.

Brian

 

[JackMDS]

Option 1 (USB): Get an Ethernet to USB Adapter, the Laptop goes to the Ethernet side of the adapter via cat5 straight cable. The other side goes via USB cable to the Desktop USB.

USB Adapter is $37 + few $$$ for Cable.

Option 2 (NIC): Buy an inexpensive Network Interface Card (NIC), and a Crossover CAT5 cable.

Cost: $5-$10 NIC + few $$$ for cable.

This cheaper, and will yield faster connection.

However, you have to open your computer to install the NIC.

Configuration difficulty is the same for both options.