need to get info from my laptop to pc?

hey guys i have a laptop that is just collecting dust so i want to make use of it.I want to download my pictures and my other info i dont use or lookat alot but need to save to this lap top from mine and my wifes pc but not real sure how to go about this it is alot of info and pictures so really need it to be a direct connection i can reconnect to when neded whitch will be prety regular.What would be the easiest and best way to go about this they all use windows xp and laptop uses windows 2000 professional? this is probly as simple as a usb hookup but dont want to lose or corrupt any of the information so would rather ask now then ask later how to retreive information from where ever it goes when you screw it up as you guys will probly be able to help me now more then after this happens.
thank you in adavance for any light you can shed on this and stay cool!

 

do both computers have ethernet ports?

are you using broadband (cable/dsl/fiber) internet, or dial up?

If you're on broadband, I would highly recommend getting a router so that you can share the connection, as well as establish a home network between the computers and share information as you wish.

Alternatively, a simple network switch and some cat5 (ethernet) cable are my recommendation. A switch will let you plug the two computers into it and create a small network. you can share folders and move data between them. This will hold a mush faster sustained transfer rate than a USB connection. A router, as I mentioned above has a built in switch, but allows you to share an internet connection on your network.

 

Or a simple cheap crossover cable between the two computers could help.

Or buy a 2.5" to 3.5" adapter to hookup the laptop drive to your desktop pc, then transfer the files that way.

 

I have used very succesfully a 'USB Data Transfer Cable' that will have an accompanying driver disc covering most window applications.ie. from 98 up to XP. Transfers can reach 6Mbs but a good average is 4Mbs. Not fast i know but whats the rush....

 

I use DOS a bit and use LL5 with null modem parallel cable. Slow and old school yes. But where would we be without DOS. I learned this long ago. It was presented to me like this, what if something happens to Windows and you need to get some info from one place to another. Many many people today would be completely lost. Well, I'm off the subject for sure now. Cat cable and networking pc probably the best. Or thumb drive you can swap back and forth.

 

ok all those sound like fine ideas but networking isnt something i know alot about can anyone suggest a site or maybe break it down alil more for this dummy?both pc's do have ethernet and i use dsl?
thanks guys for all your help in advanced

 

http://www.ezlan.net/direct.html

 

thanks guys and girls? for all the help i just got me a 2 gig memory stick done the trick all that mumbojumbo bout netwoking was to much for me right now thanks again problem solved