connecting a desktop pc to a laptop

[Cerberus]

I\'m considering reformatting my pc, I want to use my sisters laptop to back my files onto while I\'m doing it, instead of spending half a day backing stuff onto cd\'s.

Is there any way of connecting the 2 together by a single cable (usb possibly)?

As it stands, I\'m going to have to use my usb flash drive, but it\'s only 500mb, I could be switching back and forth between the 2 all day with the stuff I want to save.

Can I transfer my stuff direct by a simple cable connecting my pc to her laptop?

Just use a network cable and some magic.

At least it works with my MacBook and PC, dunno how it works on two PC\'s (should be the same though I guess).

[Cerberus]

elaborate please.

elaborate please.

Uh... You plug one end of the cable into one computer and the other end into the other computer.

Sorry can\'t give specifics. I just shared a folder on my PC and my Mac found it on the network. The principle should be the same I guess... Make a network, share a folder. Although it could be more involved than that on two PC\'s (wouldn\'t surprise me knowing MS).

[Cerberus]

oh, ok.

it\'s just that I heard something about having to set up a lan and issue/assign IP numbers, or something like that.

so what cable would that be? and how do I share specific folders?

I\'m by no means a network expert (I find the subject to be a bit boring so never really got into the inner workings). But to share a folder you can right click it and choose \'share\'. The cable should be a standard network cable - although I can\'t remember if any cable will do (some are crossed and some are not, and I can\'t remember which type is right for this use, sorry).

you would need a crossover cable to do what you are trying to do.  It looks like a standard ethernet cable, but just look at the packaging for the right one.

And it\'s usually just a matter of right-clicking on a folder or entire HDD and going to properties and then to sharing.  BAM  Sometimes you\'ll have to reboot or create a new network connection & reboot.  I just transfer stuff with a jumpdrive or burn dvd\'s... sometimes the crossover cable can be a pain in the ass to get to work.