Need Help Setting Up a Network

Cyos

Cyos

New Member
Okay, I'll start by saying I know next to nothing about networking. I've put in a wireless router once, and that's about it. That said, this forum has always proved helpful in the past, so if anyone can solve this, you guys can.

What I want is to be able to have two PCs share files. Music on one should be accessible on the other; a document on one should be accessible on the other, and so forth. Ideally I'd like to be able to share a single internet connection to, but I doubt that's possible without shelling out some cash. Speaking of which, I want an answer that costs me nothing - free software only, please.

What I have: two PCs, both running WinXP Home Edition SP2, and a length of category 6 cable connecting them. But they don't even know the other exists - a little help?

Like I said, I've always had more success here than through any search engine - I look foreword to seeing what you can do for me here.

Thanks in advance!

EDIT: Just thought I should point out - I have no router. Two computers, connected by category six cable. That's it.
 
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When you are connecting 2 computers without a router you must use a crossover cable, which means the 2 ends are wired differently. You can't use a standard cable. In order to share internet you would have to use ICS on the computer that the internet is hooked up to so you can share it with the other one. You would then have to run the network setup wizard to enable printer and file sharing. Anything placed in the sharing folders on either computer can be seen from other computer, without sharing the whole system. You may not want to spend the money but the easiest thing to do is use a router to share internet and then you have the ability to be wireless if you want.
 
Excellent - I didn't think a crossover cable would make a difference, but I guess it does. My 2-computer network is up and running; thanks for the help!
 
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