Can this be done, and how hard is it? I've got a desktop back at home that's connected to a cable modem via a USB cable. is there anyway I can put a LAN card in the desktop, run a network cable from that LAN card to a laptop, they way they can both get internet? Thanks for any help!

-gw

Run a crossover cable and use the network bridge option in Network Connections?

okay, I've never seen the netword bridge option, but I've heard about it. Then would I just make the setting "connect to internet from another computer" when I'm setting up the internet on the laptop?

-gw

just use internet connection sharing. that'd be the simplest way. open up "network connections" in the control panel, right click on the active internet connection (i'm assuming its LAN) and click properties, "advanced" tab at the top, then check the connection sharing boxes.

Also, when I do the cross over cable and connect everything, I should be able to share file between the two correct? never messed around with any cross over cable stuff. Thanks!

-gw

I do this all the time at home. It is really easy, but your computer needs to have 2 ways to access network capabilities

2 Ethernet cards
ethernet & modem
Ethernet and USB
or whatever combo works best for you.

Set the primary computer to connect directly to the internet source and to the Hub, switch, or router (if you use a router, you are defeating the purpose anyway), crossover only if connecting directly into another computer.

Share this internet connection through network connections in the Control Panel.

I have had a computer act as a router for 5 other computers. It works very well.


Using a crossover cable is just like using anything else, the crossover is just for communication purposes. File sharing should be available, given that you have it activated.

I can't seem to get it to work. When I plug in the cable to both machines, it still says that the Network cable is unplugged. Any ideas?

-gw

Are you using a crossover?

yep, made it myself. one end is in the order orange-white, orange, green-white, blue, blue-white, green, brown-white, brown. The other end is in the order green-white, green, orange-white, blue- blue-white, orange, brown-white, brown.

-gw

If both machines are running Win XP, you can also use Firewire for an instant network connection. Works quite well on a small scale.

On another note, all those interested in cross-over cables should be prepared to get your nerd on:

The Babes are T-568B, and the guys are T-568A.

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