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[psych0toe]

Anyone know of a good way to tranfer files over from a laptop to a desktop, there is about 5 gigs of music I want to transfer without setting up a network. Do you if we can connect useing USB?

[jdhore]

Anyone know of a good way to tranfer files over from a laptop to a desktop, there is about 5 gigs of music I want to transfer without setting up a network. Do you if we can connect useing USB?

you could get a patch cable to plug into the ethernet ports and it just makes a simple network with just the 2 computers...you CAN do it via USB, but you'll need a special cable/software that costs AT LEAST $20...a 3-4' patch cable might cost $5

[tokenuser]

you could get a patch cable to plug into the ethernet ports and it just makes a simple network with just the 2 computers...you CAN do it via USB, but you'll need a special cable/software that costs AT LEAST $20...a 3-4' patch cable might cost $5Thats definately the easiest way to do it. Another method I use involves a 2.5"->3.5" HDD adapter, and an external USB HDD case. Pull the HDD, pop it into the case, and plug the drive into the desk - then just read the disc directly. It is faster than the network method (and if I want/need faster still, I will mount the drive internal to the desktop via the IDE connectors). You need to have the gear to do it though which I have for other purposes.

[jdhore]

Thats definately the easiest way to do it. Another method I use involves a 2.5"->3.5" HDD adapter, and an external USB HDD case. Pull the HDD, pop it into the case, and plug the drive into the desk - then just read the disc directly. It is faster than the network method (and if I want/need faster still, I will mount the drive internal to the desktop via the IDE connectors). You need to have the gear to do it though which I have for other purposes.

yeah, that's a good option and i have the gear to do it as well, but it would be a pain to find at a local CompUSA or Best Buy and it wouldn't be cheap

[tokenuser]

The USB External Case is easy (in fact you can get a 2.5" drive case - but I find the 3.5" more flexible). You can find them at your local computer megamart.

The 2.5"->3.5" adapter is a little harder to find. Easy, and cheap on ebay, but available at most CompUSA's as well (they are actually pretty good for parts - not as good as Fry's, but still OK). Also available at Newegg (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16812203012).

[sevver]

If I am not mistaken, the patch cable method requires a crossover cable. I have never done it before though so I could totally be wrong.

[tokenuser]

If I am not mistaken, the patch cable method requires a crossover cable. I have never done it before though so I could totally be wrong.
You are absolutely correct ... I didn't notice that jdhore didn't mention crossover cable in his post. Still cheap though, and physically easier than my option (though it does require some networking knowledge).

[darknessgp]

Actually, if one of the machines is running Windows XP you don't need a crossover. Just a regular straight through and WinXP will handle it correctly. and then just assign IP addresses and let the sharing commence.

[tokenuser]

Actually, if one of the machines is running Windows XP you don't need a crossover. Really? I just learnt something new :)

[noonebutme]

I usually use FTP to transfer files over my internal network - It's easy to set up. Check out Filezilla Server, its free + simple to use / has a lot of features :)

[striker1211]

It isnt because it was running xp, some ethernet cards switch the wires via hardware, xp doesnt do anything.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethernet_crossover_cable

New Macs do it too.