how can i join two computers together without going wireless?

Question

and can it be done by using usb's

Answer 1

the best way is to get a switch/router and connect both PCs via ethernet. if you get a router you can use it to hand out the network settings, ip address etc automatically (DHCP) and also to share internet connections etc. if you just use a switch then you will need to set the Ip addresses on the PCs statically. i.e within control panel and network settings.

if you dont want to use a switch you can use a cross over ethernet cable to wire the computers "back to back" again you will need to manually configure the Ip addresses etc as with the switch.

you can use USB but it needs to be USB 2 as usb 1.1 is too slow. i have never actually used one of these so you will have to judge for yourself. http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/248

my preference would be a router/switch combo and an ethernet connection.

Answer 2

There are a number of ways. The simplest if both machines have network cards, is to get a cross-over cable and connect them. You should then be able to see the other computer (this will work automatically with Win 2000 and XP, older systems will require you set the proper IP addressing). The next method would be to connect each computer up to a small hub or switch. This would require regualar network cables and the hub or switch. Again Windows 2000 and XP will automatically assign addressing and be able to see each other. I have not tried connecting two machines together via USB, it may be possible but it would probably require some additional software/hardware.

Answer 3

You cannot network computers together using USB - the transfer rate is much too slow. Ethernet cables will work without any speed loss up until 300ft in length. Ethernet cables are usually inexpensive depending on the length that you need. I'd recommend using an ethernet connection to network the computers together - and if they need to be online connecting them both to a router.

Answer 4

A USB cable with two male plugs should connect at slower speed than Ethernet. If you get bigger than 2 computers on that network, then it takes a USB hub and still not mainstream, not as fast. Eithernet cards are cheap enough and that way you have the best of cheaper cableling, faster throughput, better software compatiability and easier expandability.

Answer 5

If your PCs have the Ethernet jack (cat5/RJ45) you should be able to connect the 2 computers directly to each other using cat5 cross over cable.

Or, yes using the usb cable too. The downside using USB cable, it might not be long enough, as for cat5, you can have as long as you want, so not necessary to place the 2 computers side by side.

Other solution, using router (wired), switches, or hubs. The router is good if you have broadband connection and want to share with the 2 computers, same as using the ethernet switch, but using hub, you need to manually configure the computers by entering specific IP addressing.

If you want to do the cheapest way, the cat5 cross over cable is the way to go plus you will be able to share the broadband connection too.

Hope this helps.

Answer 6

Yeah you would need to buy a router at Compusa or Best Buy or a store like that. Then just hook both computers to it and install the provided software. I don't know where you live but I know you can get them online from around $20 for a cheap one or around $50 for a nice Linksys or D-Link router.

Answer 7

Best to use a crossover Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port of each machine.

Answer 8

Ethernet cable, no USB.

Answer 9

It's called a "USB connect" cable.

Answer 10

laplink software