Networking two home systems on Cable?

I have two computers at home, both running XP SP1, hooked up to cable Internet through a Netgear router. Can I get some suggestions on the fastest and safest way to network the two of them together? I really just want to be able to get files from one to the other and vice versa. Is it as simple as changing some settings and doing it over the network, or do I need to buy a physical cable to connect the two?

(EDIT-) I found another thread a couple posts down that has a link to an XP home networking page, but it looks like that involves hubs, switches, and cables. I'm wondering if there's any way to do it with just the router and the fact that both computers are on the same cable Internet connection.

m19

 

Woohoo! I found some guides on using XP's built-in FTP capability and I'm now transferring files from this computer to the other one through FTP. One question, though... Apart from allowing or denying the other computer access to mine via Sygate, what other precautions can I take? Are there any settings in IIS (I think that's what it was called) or elsewhere?

m19

 

My computer is connected to the internet through my main home computer, the one that the rest of my family use. The main computer connects to cable modem via usb, both computers have network cards installed and they're connected by an ethernet cross-over cable. A cheap and easy way to network 2 computers with great speed. Only 1 firewall needed on the main computer as that is what connects directly to the net!

 

Meh.... Isn't the one system then the server, and it has to be on for the "slaved" computer to have Internet access? In any case, that's a little too much work considering both computers are already connecting fine. And FTP's working quite well.

m19

 

yes they do both have to be on, but glad you've got both up and running on the net.

 

If both computers are connected to the router and the router connected to the internet, then they should be able to exchange files. With different computer names and the same workgroup name you should be able to see the other in your network places. Share the folders you want to see from the other computer.

 

Oh yeah? I'll double-check workgroup names tonight and see if I can get that working as well.

m19

 

Two PC's connected to a router, both XP, Easy set up.
Just co to control pannel Click Network connections, then click on "Set up a home or small office network" then run the network wizard and at the end you have option to make network set up disk to run on the other PC.

You will need the same workgroup name, both PC need different names.

If you have printer ya want both PC to use it's better to use print server, but you can share a printer connected directly to one PC.