connecting a laptop to pc

Hi how do i go about connecting my laptop(vista Home basic) to my main pc(XP home)
i dont have a router and the main pc is isnt wireless

i dont have a printer port on the laptop

all i have is lan cables how do i go about this?
any help appreciaetd
thanks

 

If you have an ethernet port on both pcs then get an ethernet crossover cable and plug it in to each pc.
This is far the easiest and cheapest solution.

Then go to network connections and follow the instructions for setting up a home network; choose from the left hand pane.

Alternatively you can do this with, the serial port, parallel port (printer) infra red or USB ports. In each case (except IR) you will need a special cable. You need a crossover for USB and serial and a fully wired (all 25 pins)straight through for the parallel. it's really your choice.

Don't be tempted by usb networking devices; they are not yet Vista compatible.

 

thanks for that!
i have cable here but after a search on net i discovered its a straight thru, waiting on an adapter coming
Thanks again for info

 

Post again if you need help setting it up.

The crossover ensures that the output from one pc is connected to the input on the other; the ins and outs are of course on the same pins on both pcs so connecting pin 6 to pin 6 would be connecting output to output.

 

ok i got the crossover cable and have set up internet sharing i can connect the laptop(vista home basic) to net thru the main pc(xp moe service pack 2)

Both pc's have different workgroup names and i have forgot how to change them!

Im not bad on puters but new to networking.

What do i have to do now so i can share files betwen pc and laptop, i want to be able to access both from either one?
thanks again for help.