computer question - linking computers

[Peter]

I am trying to connect my old and new computers to transfer files. Can I do this with a ethernet cable only? I tried connecting the ethernet ports directly but the computers did not recognize the connection.

Thanks.

[netwolf]

If you want to connect two computer with a single network cable it needs to be a crossover cable.

http://www.littlewhitedog.com/content-8.html

[Peter]

Thanks net. Can't I just buy one?

[Peter]

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp ... 9390830926

like this one?

[netwolf]

That would work too, though you might be able to find a small 5 port switch for a few bucks less than that cable.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp ... 0266457435

If you already have 2 regular network cables, this way would be slightly cheaper...

[JS©]

why not slave it to your computer?

Change the jumper settings on your drive and you should be fine.

[Pitts]

Something tells me he won't know what you're talking about. Slaves and jumpers!

[JS©]

I didn't even get to the part about mentioning which was master and which was slave.