How to connect lap top to desk top

Hi All
I would like to be able to connect my lap top to the family desk top computer both of which run XP. I was under the impression that this could be done by parrallel cable, is this so. I would like to be able to share the internet concection if possible and have a dial up modem. I am not bothered on how slow the connection is only that it connects. I tried running the wizards on both computers but no luck.. As you might guess I know nothing what so ever about net working, (would like to learn) and wondered if some one could walk me through. I really dont want to have to go out and buy any fancy equipment so if it cant be done witht he cables i have then im fraid it will be left. I also have a network cable that plugs in to each of the network cards.
Any sugestions
Stitch

 

Hi

I am using Belkin 54mbps Access point on the Desktop. WinXPpro

On laptop PCMIA Belkin 54mbps card WinXPpro

Using MS Internet shareing wizard for the Internet.

Belkin will get you good support also free.

 

You can connect two computers together via their network cards. However, without a hub, switch or other infrastructure device you will need to use a "cross-over" cable and not a standard network cable (which is straight through).

A basic set-up for two computers would be to connect them with the cross-over cable and then statically assign the IP addresses (in TCP/IP settings) so that:

Computer A: IP Address = 10.0.0.1, Subnet Mask = 255.255.0.0, leave gateway blank.

Computer B: IP Address = 10.0.0.2, Subnet Mask = 255.255.0.0, leave gateway blank.

Internet sharing will allow you share your internet connection. I believe that running through the wizard will set the computers to work in this way. However, if you use that you'll probably need to change the IP addressing. Unfortunately I don't use internet sharing (I always use routers) so can't give you a detailed set of instructions for that.

 

PeteC,

Looks like once again you've beaten me to it (nice link too!).

We must have the same lunch break times!

 

So busy I don't know where I find the time to go home

But then I am my own worst enemy, as I go home and fiddle on computers there too.

 

Thanks all for the replies. Been away from the computer for a while so just getting back to it. Cant understand why i haven'y received any notification though that i had any replies to this post though.

How do i know if cable i have is a cross over cable and not standard
there is writing on the cable as follows
EXCEL100-060 Cat 5e Cable to ISO11801 4 PAIR 24AWG ETL VERIFIED 231 M<07/03>
OR
ENHANCED CAT 5 UTP 350MHZ CM75C (UL) C(UL) CMG E190560 24 AWG 4PR-ETL VERIFIED TIA/EIA 568A 292m
Those two have brown orange blue and green wires inside
I have another cable with no writing on but the wires inside are black red green and yellow.
I know its a long shot but does anyone kow if they will work. they are spare cables form a works network which does run through hubs and routers.
If not what do i need to ask for when i go shopping.
Thanks

 

I am both lazy and have a poor memory. I find the simplest way to check if the cable is straight through or cross-over is a simplified version of PeteC's approach.

Take the connectors (RJ45) at each end of the cable and hold them next to each other side by side (with them both in the same orientation).

|iiiiiii| |iiiiiiii|
|....| |.....|
|....| |.....|
. || . . ||

Looking into the RJ45 connectors you should see the cables and their coloured insulation.

If the order of coloured cables is the same, it is a straight through.

If the order is different (a couple of pairs having swapped places) then it is a cross-over.

This has served me fine for years and meant I don't have to remember which pairs swap places, just that if the order if different, pairs have swapped and therefore it's a cross over.

 

The cable you use for straight and for cross-over is exactly the same. The only difference is how the cable ends (the 8 small wires) are fitted into the RJ-45 connectors.

 

Thanks Guys
One of the cables does have two of the wires swapped round so will give that one a go later. Will post results.
Thanks
Stich