How Should I Network Two Computers

Hi,

I just purchased my second computer and I would like to network the two computers.

My main goal is to transfer the data between them and in case something goes wrong with one of them and it stops working, then I have the second one ready with all the programs and data and I am able to work on the second one while the other is in shop.

I need help as I know nothing about networking.

One hardware guy suggested to buy a USB Cable while other suggested to buy 2 LAN cards and a cable to connect them.

Here are the specs of them.

Computer – 1 ( Dell System )

P4 D 2.8 GHz ( Dual Core Processor )
Intel 945 Mother Board
2 GB DDR2 533 MHz RAM
2 HDD each 250 GB WD SATA 7200 RPM
Dual Monitor Card
10/100 LAN Card ( I am using it for Cable Internet )
DVD ROM
DVD + /- RW
21 inch Monitor

Computer – 2 ( Dell System )

P4 2.6 GHz ( Hyperthreading )
512 MB DDR 400 MHz RAM
2 HDD 80 GB + 40 GB ATA 5200 RPM
2 CD – RW Drives
10/100 LAN Card ( I am using it for Cable Internet )
17 inch Monitor

Thank You
Mike

 

If you're aiming on connecting directly from one computer to another, I believe a crossover cable would be the answer, putting each end into each LAN card on each system. I've also heard that a router might also work with two straight-through (normal) ethernet cables since a router dynamically assigns IP addresses. The latter I could be wrong on, though. The LAN cards you have should be sufficient, I think.

 

You need to ask several questions first.
Do you want to be able to get on the internet at the same time with both computers?
Are they in the same room?
Are they in the same room as the internet connection?
Do you want to add another computer in the future?
Are you concerned about security with your information?

What ShockTroop said is true about the crossover cable but that ties up both NICs and you would have to unplug the crossover cable and plug in your present cable connection to get to the internet with just one computer at a time. A router would be more expensive but would enable both computers to be on the internet at the same time and allow you to share information on a home network.

 

Both have seperate cable internet connections with different IP addresses and I want to keep it that way.

Both are in the same room right next to each other.

I will be the only one using them so security is not a concern.

I am not planning on adding another computer.

So how do I go about it ?

Thanks

 

Then, a LAN USB cable between the two, or a second LAN card in each computer with a crossover cable is the answer.

Direct Connect - http://www.ezlan.net/direct.html