How to Connect 2 PC's without router

Connecting two PC's without a router can be of several purposes. Maybe you bought a new PC and want to transfer your documents from the old PC to the new PC. Or you can share internet connection between two PC's...You can do so in 6 ways:

1. If both machines have a network card installed, purchase a 6 - 10ft CAT5 RJ48 crossover cable and simply connect the two computers through the NIC's/Ethernet cards on each PC. After using the crossover cable, you'll need to set up file and printer sharing on each computer, create the EXACT same username and password on both computers, and then share out the directories in question.

2. Use a null modem or laplink cable. It is a special type of parallel cable with male connectors on both ends. You can buy this type of cable in any computer store. Plug the cable into the parallel port of each PC.

3. Transfer files between two USB-enabled PCs with a USB2-LINK cable (also known as: USB file sharing cable, USB file transfer Cable, PC USB data link, USB 2.0 bridge cables USB peer-to-peer link cable file sharing cable) , without having to buy other expensive equipment, such as Ethernet cards, cables, etc. Simply load the software and plug the file sharing cable into each USB-enabled computer.

4. Taking the old hard drive from the computer and setting the jumpers on the hard drive to make it a slave. Then install it in the new computer as a second hardrive. This will give you all the data and licenses, that are on the old hard drive and could serve as additional hard drive storage space. The process isn't all that difficult when it comes to moving the hardware from the old box to the new and it keeps your files in your hands instead of going away to somewhere else with the old computer.

5. And speaking of going away somewhere else, it could also be a lot simpler if you just need some files that are not more than the allowed attachment. Yes, you can email it to your email address and retrieve it later to your new pc, but this would need a broadband internet connection. One option is to upload up to 1 GB of data to YouSendIt.com then download it to your new PC. YouSendit is a free service. The files you send will remain there for 7 days before they're deleted automatically, or you can delete them yourself when you're done. There's also an option to send the files using https if you need encryption.

6. Burn those files into a dvd..it could be several dvd's..or save yourself the frustration by getting yourself a flash drive or micro drive.

But if you're not in a tight budget, it's a really good idea to get a router to act not just to connect two or even several PC's but act as a hardware firewall too.