network n00b: transferring files to my new lappy

Hi, I should be receiving my laptop in the next week or so, so im trying to find the fastest easiest way to transfer mp3's and other files to my laptop. I have read about "crossover cables" but would like to know exactly what i would have to do if i buy or make one. Any other suggestions (other than cd's - burner not really working) on an easy way to transfer. I have a 512 usb jump drive too but i ahve about 20 gigs of stuff to move and my computer (current) doesn't ahve usb 2.0 so its fairly slow.


Thanks,
Sean

 

Just use a crossover cable. I have this.
It works perfect, just plug into the 2 computers, assign IPs in the same range something like 192.168.0.1 (for the first) 192.168.0.2 (for the second), same subnet mask for both 255.255.255.0 and enjoy. You might want to have them in the same work group, but it aint necessary.

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N6010: P4M 3.2G, 512MB Dual 333MHz, 60GB 7200RPM, ATI 9700M, 17" WXGA+
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thanks. Well im going to head out a buy a acable tomorrow then. But, when i say i know nothing about networking ... i mean nothing. How do i set the assign ip's manually? And i have no clue what a subnet mask is let alone how to set it. I apologize for my ignorance. lol


Thanks,
Sean

 

since you "know nothing" [ ]...
make sure to ask for a "cross over cable" over elaborate the point by saying you need a cable to hook up 2 computers without a HUB.

How to setup: (I am assuming you are in XP)
1-Right click "my network places" on your desktop > properties
2-Right click "local area network" > properties
3-"This connection uses the following items:" > select "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)" then click "properties"
4-"Use the following IP address" > here is where you enter IP and subnet, leave all the other things empty.

To put both your computers in the same workgroup: (by default windows sets the workgroup as "workgroup" so no need to set this)
Right click "my computer" > 'properties" > "computer name" > "change..." here you can change your computer's name and workgroup

Now to share a drive so that the other PC sees it:
In my computer right click on the drive you want to share > "sharing and security ...". Click on the warning message thing. > "network sharing and security" > tick both boxes.

AND THAT'S ALL WHAT'S TO IT!
Now if you double click on "my network places" on the other PC, and on the side click on "view workgroup computers". You should see 2 computers (the one you are using and the other). Your shared drive will appear under the corresponding PC.

Hope this helps

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N6010: P4M 3.2G, 512MB Dual 333MHz, 60GB 7200RPM, ATI 9700M, 17" WXGA+
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thanks a lot.
sounds like a breeze.

Thanks,
Sean

 

Actually it's simpler then that

Go to http://www.cat5net.com/cgi-bin/CAT5Net?productCatSelect <-- Cheap cables

Look for a cable that says crossover and not patch. 10 feet costs $2.90 which is probably good enough.

When it comes in just plug the end of one cable into your notebook ethernet/lan port and the other end into the desktop ethernet card port.

Next place all the items you want into shared documents or right click and go to the share folder option.

Last on your notebook look up your computer via search or go to my network places.

It should automatically show up or you can search for the computer name on the network and force it to recognize.

Dell I6000d
1.86 ghz
1 gig 400mhz ram
80 gig HD
Intel Pro 2915 a/b/g Wireless
15.4 " WXGA
Ati X300 128 mb
Nec Dvd +- RW 6500A

 

if your ips aren't within the same range 2 computers cannot communicate without having a router to provide them with a routing table! Unless you want to relly on XP generating IPs in the same range. Personally I trust Windows to do NOTHING!

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N6010: P4M 3.2G, 512MB Dual 333MHz, 60GB 7200RPM, ATI 9700M, 17" WXGA+
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

well thats how I do it and it works everytime.



Dell I6000d
1.86 ghz
1 gig 400mhz ram
80 gig HD
Intel Pro 2915 a/b/g Wireless
15.4 " WXGA
Ati X300 128 mb
Nec Dvd +- RW 6500A