LAN network

[chutem]

I want to connect two computers (one a laptop with XP home basic, one a desktop with vista home premium), and have no idea how to set it up, I put in the cable (think its eternet, it's like the one that goes in you phone line in NZ, but wider, with 8 contacts) and it says its an unsecured network with limited or no connection, and theres an exclamation in a yellow triangle on the little picture.

Could someone tell me how to set up this network, I think i need a internet connection active, but that would make it un-worthwile, as I only want it so I don't have to delete all my music off my mp3 player to move large files between them.

Thanks.

[Mistercharles]

All black cable-looking lines resemble ethernet cables, except the bottommost, which is a CROSSOVER ethernet cable, something kinda different. Oh, and the the top rightmost cable is coaxial. But that doesn't matter.

Case A is for sharing a cable internet connection. Plus, it's very stable.

Case B is if you're not a completely cheap barsteward. Manually set both IPs to 169.254.x.x, but give them different addresses. Kinda messy, but it works.

Case C is a lame connection. Do the same manual IP address settings as in setup B. It's a messy link, I recommend you don't do it.

Look up terms you don't know via google. i recommend adding the word "network" to anything you're searching for, i.e. "network switch."

[chutem]

So how would I go about setting an IP manually, and why is method C messy, I am cheap, and don't want to go buy a switch

And how would I goabout actually transferring files, I have tried everything to my knowledge, to no avail.

[bja888]

So how would I go about setting an IP manually, and why is method C messy, I am cheap, and don't want to go buy a switch

And how would I goabout actually transferring files, I have tried everything to my knowledge, to no avail.

You have to buy a crossover cable first. Don't expect to go to your local walmart and find one either. Most people usually do now know they exist.

[chutem]

I guess the crossover cable Crosses over the wires in the plugs i.e. Red wire may be in the first contact at one end, but and last contact at other end, amirite? So would a shop like Dick smith electronics sell the aforementioned cable? and what price range could I expect for about 2 meters?

[JupiterShadow]

And how would I goabout actually transferring files.

Go buy yourself a shared storage drive and plug it into your modem. Simple

[chutem]

I am so confused now, I don't have an external modem, the laptop, which I use for internet ATM has a built in modem, therefore, I do not know how to plug in a 'shared storage drive', and I don't want to go around buying unnecessary items, I just want to connect two computers with one cable, and transfer files along the aforementioned cable, simple? I think it is, no need to bring modems, routers, shared storage drives and whatnot to complicate things.

[JupiterShadow]

I am so confused now, I don't have an external modem, the laptop, which I use for internet ATM has a built in modem

So your saying your on dial up?

Btw, a 320gig maxtor shared storage drive is only like $59.00 in hong knog.

[chutem]

Yes, I am on dial up

[JupiterShadow]

Yes, I am on dial up

I would suggest upgrading to broadband. Since you live in New Zealand, I would recommend joining ihug because of their reliability and Xtra is going shit for the past 3 years. 

[chutem]

I seriously wanna upgrade to broadband but my dad is being a tightass and is going to wait until competition (monopoly collapsed) brings the price and speed up, it would be nice to ave more than three CTF servers with people in it and not too laggy

[JupiterShadow]

If you want cheap internet, Ask your dad to join Slingshot. Their prices are cheap and the speed is quite reasonable.

Besides, telecom is going bankrupt in like 3 years because of complaints from customers about the slow dsl connection caused by phone exchanges around NZ being overflowed with incoming and outgoing connections and the endless lag caused by having your router on 24/7 

[chutem]

I've tried every argument on him, I don't think he's gonna budge any time soon

[chutem]

Well, I'm happy to get just one cable, if thats what you're saying, Is there anything else i need to get , or do I just plug said cable and can i share files immediately, or do i need to setup a network

Ok I got the crossover ethernet cable, can I just plug it in and share files between computers, or are there other setings, apart from the IP settings (Which I don't know how to do)?

[JupiterShadow]

Yes, you would have to setup a network if you want to plug 2 computers together. If you want to share files I would recommend getting a flash drive or some other method of mass storage.

[chutem]

Are yuo deliberately ignoring stuff I say, I hav been using a flash drive to move files, but it annoys me , so I want to be able to plug in a cable and move large files between computers, how can I set this up, step-by-step, I have bought a crossover cable.

[JupiterShadow]

Go to control panel, then open network connections, and then click on "setup a home or small office network"?

[chutem]

Yeah, i've tried that, it doesn't work, I just wanna know how to manually set IP's atm, if that doesn't work, i'll take back the crossover cable and get a double ended USB cable

[a-4-year-old]

Yes, I am on dial up

forget it. upgrade to broadband or forget it.

[chutem]

Yes, I am on dial up

forget it. upgrade to broadband or forget it.

But I want to connect the computers to move files between them, not for internet sharing