<--Complete Network Newb Inside :)

[Ishakir]

Hey guys,

I am COMPLETELY new to the world of networking and I'm kind of stuck trying to setup this network. A friend of mine has a laptop with an ethernet card, and I have a desktop with an ethernet card. What we're trying to do is to somehow set up a network between the two computers using a direct ethernet wire linkage from one computer to the other. When we do that, the LAN connection that shows up on the system tray says that the cable is unplugged when it really is. When I go and try to create a new network (using the built in Windows XP wizard) it says the connection I'm trying to use is unplugged and I have to click the 'Ignore disconnected connections' box to continue.

Both computers use Windows XP - I'm probably missing something extremely basic.

Thanks a lot for helping out this poor newb :)
-Ish-

[ronin1967]

are you using a regular or crossover cable?

[nebben]

You'll need a crossover cable, or a hub/switch in between. A standard to B standard. Yea yea yea.

-ben

[Ishakir]

Oh ok
What's the difference between a cross-over cable and a regular ethernet cable?

Thanks again,
-Ish-

[ronin1967]

a crossover cable allows back and forth communication with 2 machine linked directly, you can't do that with a straigh thru cable, if you only have straight thru cables you need a hub or a switch...(it's sort like talking on a phone or a walkie talkie)

http://www.makeitsimple.com/how-to/dyi_crossover.htm

[nebben]

If you don't have crimping tools, and don't plan on buying a crimper anytime soon, go out and pick up a crossover cable from any store. I'd avoid the bigger retail chains (best buy, comp USA).. they sell mostly mega expensive stuff. THeir 25' patch cables were like $30 or so.. I couldn't believe it.

Crossovers are used for NIC to NIC or switch to switch.

-ben