is it possible to network two computers withouta router, switch, or any wireless device? If so, how?
80635
You can use a crossover cable, make them in the same workgroup and assign ip addresses to them like 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.1.2 with 255.255.255.0 as the subnet mask.
293584
Easier than ALL the solutions proposed so far, buy yourself a *crossover ethernet* cable.  You can then connect the two computers via their ethernet ports.  Most computers these days have ethernet ports built in.\n\nThe crossover ethernet cable will allow you to have the two computers connected together into a 'hubless' network and they can share files, printers, ethernet connections, etc.  You just need to go into the Network Wizard and tell it you want to enable File and Print Sharing.  After that you can simply drag files into the shared folder on one computer and they will be visible to the other for copying.\n\nI'd give you all the nitty-gritty details, but instead of repeating things, I'm attaching a link to a very good article by Microsoft on setting up a home network.  The relevant section is under "Ethernet network - For two computers".\n\nAnd if you ever decide to upgrade to more computers, you can simply disconnect the two, add a router and a few more cables...\n\nNote: an Ethernet *crossover* cable is *not* the same thing as an Ethernet *patch* cable.  Be sure to tell the salesperson at your local electronics store that you want a *crossover* cable for connecting two PCs directly.\n\nI added another link to Radio Shack, in case you weren't sure what you should ask for.  You shouldn't pay any more than US$10 for a cable, perhaps even less.  Ask for Ethernet Cat5 or Cat5e, but be sure it is the *crossover* type, not the regular type.\n\nI see in your additional comments that you already have a network set up with a router and a wireless card.  If so, then you should already be set to go.  Just go to 'My Network Neighborhood' and look for the Shared Documents folder.  Put the file there, then copy to the other computer.
11647
you don't need to have another computer hooked up to the modem, if ur moden is external u can connect it to a wireless router, then share the connection with the router and use it by ur laptop using ur wirless lan card.
1076621
if it only has one output then you need to by a splitter or router, if it has a router built in then you can simply connect them both to it then go into ( assuming ur on windows ) my network places, then set up a new home network
161971
laptop and desktop?..\n\ngoto network connection properties of both computers, enter IP address and subnet mask on both computers to the same subnet and use a 'cross over' cable to connect both. And yes, better if they are in the same workgroup!
616796
Yes there are lots of different ways to accomplish this.\n\nIf both computers have network cards you can use a crossover cable(network cable with specific wires crossed) to connect them setup ip addresses and file sharing.\n\nUse a router or switch and plug them both in with regular network cables. \n\nUse serial cables and setup a direct connection.\n\nIf both have wireless cards you can setup an adhoc network between the two or get a wireless router and plug one in and have the other wireless.
304134
Yes, there are several ways to configure this.  The easiest may be a wireless router with a wireless card in the computer furthest way from the connection.  But unless you want to patch it together, you will need some kind of router.  They're pretty cheap now and easy to work with.
927711
yes, or set up a router to automatically assign ip addresses as the computers connect. good luck.
311250
easiest way is ethernet- one NIC card for each computer, and a hub to link 'em
46154
If I were you I would buy a router and then connect an ethernet cable from the router to your second computer. If your computer is far from the other then get a wireless router, then buy a wireless usb adapter for your second computer.
31544
For this, your best bet is a router. This device allows you to:\nA)Share a broadband internet connection\nB) Create a local area network (LAN) or basically connect computers. \nC) Share files, printers, etc. \nAre you using computers in the same room or all the way across the house? If you are using them in the same room, your best bet is a wired router, like the Linksys BEFSR41. However, if the two computers are spread out you would do better to have a wireless router hardwired (connected via ethernet connection) to one computer and install a wireless card in the other computer. I suggest the WRT54G as I have one myself and it works beautifully, as well as having the security features that I need. I sincerely hope this helps!
860091
You can certainly have both computers on the same network.  \nIf you're willing to spend some time on it, you can also get them to share printers, or swap files directly between them. \n\nYou need two things, a router, and a switch.  Luckily, it's very easy to buy a router which has a switch built in.  I'd expect to pay between $40-80 in the US.  If you'd like to get a good deal, check your local Sunday newspaper for ads, there will probably be a few on sale, in the office & computer stores.  \n\nSome extra features you'll see which you don't need:\nwireless- it's not very expensive, but computer cables are still probably cheaper.\nmodem- if your cable company doesn't charge you rent on the modem they give you, there's no reason to replace it.\nvpn- you probably won't use it, and on a cheap unit, it wouldn't be terribly good anyway\ngigabit (10/100/100 ports) on the switch- this is only useful if you're swapping very large files between your two computers.\nfirewall- I'm not sure if I consider this unnecessary.  A router with security features doesn't make you hackerproof, but it certainly makes you less vulnerable to problems.
797241
you just need an ethernet network card in each pc and just connect with a crossover cable...........all cheap stuff........10-15 quid the lot          try this        http://www.homenethelp.com/web/diagram/crossover.asp
455007
1. you need a NIC (Network Interface Card) on both computer.\n\n2. cross over cable.\n\n3. right click my network places and select the connection of you have just created for this connection and give it a static IP address (say 192.168.0.21)\n\n4. do the same for the second computer with diffrent IP address (say 192.168.0.9)\n\n5. enable the network on both computers.\n\n6. go to the explorer and type &#92;&#92;192.168.0.21 from 192.168.0.9\n\nThat's all. \nHave Fun
32619
Get a wireless router and a wireless card; connect the wireless router to the machine with the internet connection & LAN card. Next, install and configure the wireless card in the other computer and then you can share the internet with the two computers.\n\nP.S. - Don't forget to setup security on your wireless router to stop "wardrivers".
1009149
A network hub with both types of connection will do it. Probably cant get an actual hub, since most such devices are switches these days
835041
You can make a "bridge" with the second one.\nAnd then both will be in the same network and internet connection.\n\nYou can also force the second wireless to operate in a different channel than the first one (protocol 802.11b has 13 channels), so you will have 2 wireless networks completely independent from each other.