How could I connect two or more computers together to for a LAN to play multiplayer games and to share files? What do I need to get?
I tried the following but it didn't work.
I connected the two laptops using an ethernet cable, they are directly connected to each other, no switch, no hub, no anything. OK.
Now I go to create a new connection, and I choose other, then I choose to creat my own network using other connection, it asks me to creat a network setup file on a floppy disk that I should use in other computers in the network, and I actually did, but nothing happens. I try the samething with the other laptop, and it still doesn't work. ??!?!
What am I doing wong?
Do I need to by a hub to be able to use the ethernet cable?

By the way, both laptops are running Windows XP.

hmm....there is two types of cables...usual in Blue and in Red.

Blue: used for connection from a computer to a Hub/switch.

Red: Used for direct connection between two computers.

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hmm...soo its either the cable..or hmm Windows always have delays in detecting other computer...probably wait ..15 mins

:weep: DeDe, I want some real answers, not just guesses! :weep:

blue_chi....well..i answered based on the information you provided :)

hmm you still didnt tell us which cable you are using...

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Yes you can make a direct connection...from Ethernet to another. That will basically be on Bus Topology...:D

And you can always us a Hub/switch to do that.... too...and that will be another type of Topology...


TIP...restart both Computers at the same time once connected...just to assist the detect faster...

OK, could you tell me other methods of conneting two computers together, other than ethernet and infrared?

Blue,

You can try Laplink Gold with a serial cable as an alternative to USB and Ethernet:

http://www.digitalriver.com/dr/v2/ec_MAIN.Entry17c?SP=10007&PN=5&CID=0&SID=738&PID=340042&DSP=&CUR=840&PGRP=0&CACHE_ID=0

if u want to connect two laptop through direct ethernet cables, i suggest you pick one to act like a server and the other as a client... i know what your talking about, i tried to connect my friends laptop to a PC through ethernet, and files till i got the pc to be a server (loaded win 2000 server) and the laptop acted as a client with (winXP)... worked fine...

as wanderer mentioned, try using USB cable links, i used that for a different case when i needed to transfer files from my laptop to a PC make sure you get the proper cables and software for it... i am sure you can pick one up from Wadi Center... not sure if network games will work through...

another alternative, is to hook both laptops to the net... good old omantel will be your network link... through it is sure to be slow... its your last resort...

in the end, if you have access to LAN you can hook up both laptops, but you will have to be friends with the IT dude... :wink: