Old computer >> New Computer

I'm not too sure if this is where I should post this but...

My lady has a comp. that has been in the closet since last year (after the boys ruined her monitor...), so the question is: how do I connect the two comps in order to retrieve her stuff? Do I have to have another monitor to view the sync??? Can I just patch them together with a usb cord? What program(s) should I use to sync them up and get her stuff?
Any advice?
Thanks,
Jhonny

 

You can do it with a USB cord but it must be of the type that is a crossover. A straight connection will not work as you are essentially connecting the transmit to the transmit. Any good computer shop should have a crossover USB cable