New Computer Network Question

[Nick-Zack]

I just received my new Dell 8400 and need to transfer a bunch of stuff from my laptop. I would also like for my Quicken and Poker Tracker to stay up to date on both of them.

How can I set up a connection/network between them so I can transfer the files without having to physically hook them together (which I wouldn't know how to do anyway)?

[AncientPC]

To backup Quicken / Poker Tracker refer to each program's help files. I don't think you can synchronize databases easily, if you ever find out let me know.

As for transferring data between two computers there are a few routes you can take:
1) Burn it onto CD/DVDs - old school method. Actually true old school would be zip/floppy disks.

2) External hard drive enclosure - It's a really big DVD-RW!

3) USB network cable - Plug from one USB to another, I have no experience with this.

4) Crossover cable - Basically a standard ethernet cable with one or two wires attached differently. Plug from one network card to another.

5) Home network / share internet - Buy a router / switch and then hook up everything on a home network. Then copy files one computer to another.

6) Webspace - If you really don't have that much information and a broadband connection (along with a website) you could just upload and download from a website.

7) Hook up the old hard drive to the new system - The most obvious solution, I always overcomplicate things. Not very difficult, just take your old hard drive and stick it into your new computer as a slave hard drive. The only "free" solution.

I would suggest going with #5 since with the others you won't be able to access the internet with both computers unless you're:
A) Paying more each month for a second modem / IP (waste of money)
B) Replacing your old computer and throwing it out.

Otherwise I'd go with hard drive enclosure if you have a spare hard drive lying around since an enclosure is only $30 - $50 or so and you can use it to take data on the go.

Backup on to CD / DVD would work as long as you don't have 40GB+ of movies, porn, or whatever to transfer over. Then it's just a hassle.

Direct connection with a USB or crossover is the last option in my opinion.

[Nick-Zack]

I have a Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router, will that work for setting up the network? I think I must have a network already as my Tivo updates somehow and its not plugged into the router. I just don't know how to do it.

[AncientPC]

Yes, I'm assuming it has connection for network cables in the back and is not a wireless only router.

If it is just a wireless router, then you will have to buy wireless cards for both your desktops and set up a wireless network.

You can also do this if you don't want to drop wires behind the walls or have them running along the floor.

Keep in mind that wireless connections are significantly slower than wired connections. The difference isn't noticeable when you're browsing the web / e-mail, but it will be if you're transferring gigs of data.

[Nick-Zack]

I just can't figure this out. I set up the wireless netowrk using a USB disk and put it in the other computer like it said. I received a message that the network was setup. I still can't see any of the files on my laptop. I went to the folder that I want and clicked on share - still no luck.

NZ

[AncientPC]

1) Can both computers get online?

2) You need to right-click on a folder, properties, share.

3) Try accessing one computer with the other using the command \\computername\ in the address bar.

[Nick-Zack]

Yes both are online.

I have shared the folder in question (I just started with my pictures)

The file ///computername can't be found (I also tried New Laptop which is the name that I gave it when setting the network up)

[AncientPC]

Let's called the old computer A and the new computer B.

On A, go to Start -> Run -> cmd -> OK. Type in ipconfig, then tell me what the IP listed is if this doesn't work.

On B, open up My Computer (or Explorer), then type in \\IP where IP is the number you grabbed from above. It should be something like 192.168.x.x.

[Nick-Zack]

[ QUOTE ]
Let's called the old computer A and the new computer B.

On A, go to Start -> Run -> cmd -> OK. Type in ipconfig, then tell me what the IP listed is if this doesn't work.

On B, open up My Computer (or Explorer), then type in \\IP where IP is the number you grabbed from above. It should be something like 192.168.x.x.

[/ QUOTE ]

192.168.1.100

I use Mozilla but when I typed in \\192.168.1.100 I get a message that the file can not be found.

I opened My Computer but can't find any place to type in there.

[AncientPC]

Don't use Mozilla, if you use a browser it will automatically try to open up the web page (i.e. accessing port 80).

Use My Computer or Windows Explorer.