How can I set up a home network between 2 PCs?

Question

Please list what components i'll need and the cost of each.
Just want to use one of the PC's as a backup for the other.(both using Win XP home edition). Any refs to articles, will help also.

Answer 1

If you are looking for the cheapest way to setup a home nework between 2 pcs. Youll need to make a cross over cable and plug it to the network port of each computer.. then join them to the same workgroup.. otherwise, you can buy a router and network more than 2 PCs.

Answer 2

For a simple backup operation, you can connect the computers via a crossover cable--usb or ethernet--if you have those ports available on both computers. If the computer is older and you don't mind a slow transfer rate, you could even use a serial or null modem cable to directly connect the two computers. In each of these cases, the cost would only be the price of the cable assuming you have the ports available.

For USB-USB connection, try
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/248

For ethernet connections and since you are using XP, try
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/setup/default.mspx

For serial or null modem cables, you'll have to use a search engine to find a tutorial on this. It's very old technology, think Win 95.

There are more expensive ways to connect two computers, such as using a router. The microsoft site, above, give you lots of information on various alternatives.

Answer 3

There are two options to choose from. One is to get a UTP A/B Link cable which run anywhere from $20 to $60 depending on how long of a cable you buy. You hook the two ethernet cards of the PC's together with it. Then, you can use software either off the shelf for around $30 or use the programs in Windows XP like File Transfer Wizard and Automatic Backup to transfer files from one PC to the other. Another option, like the other answerer said, is to get a router and hook both PC's up to it with regular UTP ethernet cable again price depends on length. Then, you can use the above mentioned programs. The A/B cable method is definately the cheapest route.

A third option is to not use the second PC as a backup and to get an external hard drive. They run from $100 to $500 depending on how many gigabytes you get. I have a 60 GB external hard drive that hooks into the USB port on my PC. Whenever I save photos or anything I don't want to lose on my C: drive, I also save it on my J: drive (the drive letter Windows gave the external drive the second I plugged it in). It's very easy to use. If I ever have to reformat my C: drive all I have to do is plug my external HD back in once I get Windows up and running again and all my saved files will be on it and can be easily dragged and dropped back into the C: drive. However, today's external drives are so fast, you can run programs from them just as well as you can internal drives.

Answer 4

Switch, 2 network cards or if you want to share internet access with the 2 get a dsl/cable internet a 4 port router and do it that way

Answer 5

just a lan cable and 1 extra lancard. (providing that the 2 pcs have their own LAN card)
2 LAN Card for 1 pc because 1 is for the ISP or the modem for internet and 1 is for connecting to the other pc so that they can communicate

Answer 6

Setting up a Home Network

Refer these Articles for Setting up a Home Network:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?x=7&dlc=en&lc=en&product=443079&lang=en&y=6&cc=us&docname=c00380993

http://www.geekgirls.com/windowsxp_home_network.htm

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/learnmore/default.mspx

But if you want to save a BUCK, then try http://www.newegg.com
Good Luck and Happy Processing..........

Answer 7

if you want both connected to the internet all you need is a router. You can get them for anywhere between 19 and 200$ at any electronics store.

Answer 8

in the simple way just connect both the computer with a usb extension cable. other way you can use your modem as a connector. in a adsl modem there is two port one is for usb another is for LAN. in which computer you are connected with usb (Main computer) install proxy free download from analogx.com and configure both the computer. and use it.

Answer 9

yes, but it may require a server