I am trying to network two computers together using an Ethernet cable for gaming and file sharing. How do I?

Question

I am on a laptop and he is on a desktop. I have done this with him before, but I haven't been able to figure out how I did it last time. I want to be able to share files and also play Age of Empires with him. I am also a complete computer newbie. So details would be useful. Thank you!

Answer 1

If you have a router, just plug regular CAT5 cables into free ports on the router and connect one to each computer (your laptop and the desktop) - that's it for hooking up cables.

If you don't have a router or switch/hub, you'll need to use a crossover cable (that's a cable specifically designed to connect two computers directly together- a regular patch cable will NOT work between two computers directly)

Go into control panel, choose network connections, then local area network connection. Make sure that the client for Microsoft networks is checked, and file & printer sharing as well. Once you've done that, you can right click on any folder you wish and make it shareable. The only trick is that both computers must have the same workgroup name, or they won't be able to see each other. Right click on the "My computer" icon and look under identification to check that setting.

With a router, your IP addresses will be automatically assigned through DHCP, and you'd be all done.

If you don't have a router, then you'll have to manually assign addresses. If t both machines are currently able to access the Internet, you probably have a router of some sort.

If these machines don't have Internet access and you just want to do local gaming within a room, you'll have to assign addresses manually.

Make one machine 10.10.10.13 and the other one 10.10.10.14, use a subnet of 255.255.255.0 - your gateway would be 10.10.10.1.

Answer 2

If either of the two computers has Gigabit ethernet you can connect them directly with a regular ethernet cable OR a cross-over cable. If they both have the more common 10/100 type ethernet you will have to use a cross-over cable to directly connect them.

You can also use an ethernet switch between the two computers. I'd recommend getting a switch. They are cheap and they let you expand to more than two computers in the future.

Answer 3

Theres a difference if you connect two PC's together through an ethernet cable without a switch/hub and connecting through the switch.
If you connect through the switch it is straight cabling. That is, the 8 core UTP(UNshielded Twisted pair) cable with all copper wires in it are connected straight through cable configuration.
(Please Note: Both the computers will be connected to the switch through straight cables)
But in the case of the networking of two PC's through a ethernet cable wothout a switch, then the cable configuration must be a crossover type (Which means the Tx from one PC must go to Rx of the other, where Tx is transmit and Rx is receive, and vice versa,rest of the core will be straight). Only then you will be able to connect two PC's through ethernet cable for a networking without a switch.
You may get this cable bought from the shop. Ask for CROSS-OVER ethernet cable.
The configuration would be as follows
If 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 are the copper wire order in both sides.
A Straight connection would look like
1-1
2-2
3-3
4-4
5-5
6-6
7-7
8-8
and the cross-over cable would be
1-3
2-6
3-1
4-4
5-5
6-2
7-7
8-8
In case if you have a RJ45 crimping tool with you you yourself can make this cable for networking your two computers without a switch.
ENJOY!!!!

Answer 4

You have to have a special cable called a cross over cable. Then just run threw the network setup wizard (found in the right side of the my network places window). In that wizard you have to make sure you turn on file and printer sharing.

Answer 5

If you are going thru a hub or a switch, you have two cables with it in the middle.

If you are going computer to computer direct with one cable, then it must be a specially made "CrossOver" cable. These cables fit the hub or switch but do not work the same.

Answer 6

well when you play the game it should have an option to use a network cnnection. For file sharing you can go to network connections and view workgroups, or the easy way to do it is right click on the FOLDER you want to share and click properties. From there you will see tabs at the top. Flip through the tabs and click on the sharing. When you are there you will see an option of share this on your network, then press OK

Im a cpomuter wiz

Answer 7

Check this detailed article on how to connect 2 computers using crossover cable: http://www.home-network-help.com/crossover.html

Have fun..

:o)
picoHat