Stupid network question?

[gateT]

What is the cheapest way to connect two home PCs for gaming?

Do you need a hub or can you go card to card?

Is the USB to USB connection fast enough?

Thanks

 

[lowtech1]

The cheapest way is to use a cross over cable.

But it is best to ger a router if you need to have both computer to access the web at the same time.

 

[die4me]

<< The cheapest way is to use a cross over cable.
>>



how do you set it up in XP??? I can see the two computers but doesn't seem to access it.
desktop : IP: 192.168.0.1
labtop: IP: 192.168.0.2

hmmmm..dunt know what's the problem..anyone cares to help ot? both computers are running XP

thanks

 

[Saltin]

The Ip's are fine. Make sure they have the same subnet (255.255.255.0) , are in the same workgroup, and make sure you have File and Print sharing installed on both of them. You should be off to the races

 

[Superwormy]

Make sure file and print sharing is enabled, and if you're not administrators you may also need to setup shares and give your users access to them.

 

[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: 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 support only a speed of 10Mb/sec. (this will cost about $40).

Example: Inland USB Quick Link Cable.

Option 3: 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 2
The Cheapest - Option 3
The fastest with elegant look for the future - Option 1

 

[gateT]

Thanks jackMDS that lays it out simple enough for even someone like me to understand.