Laptop -> Desktop

[captainjp]

Is it possible to connect a laptop to a desktop using the USB ports to transfer files?

[mozilla4]

I haven't done a direct connection using USB but it should work by going to start > settings > network connections > create new network connection > set up an advanced connection. I used Firewire to connect two laptops and it worked great.

[SkyDog]

I don't think it'll work by connecting directly from one computer's USB port to another computer's USB port. There are companies that make USB networking products that you can use to connect systems via USB, though. (HERE is one example.)

For the price of the USB network adapters like the one above, you'd be better off buying an Ethernet adapter for each computer and then connecting them using a crossover Ethernet cable. You can get a PCI Ethernet adapter for your desktop for less than ten bucks. As for the laptop, you can get PCMCIA or USB Ethernet cards for $25 or less nowadays, if the laptop doesn't have Ethernet built in already. Take that $35 and add a couple of bucks for a crossover cable and that's all you'd need.

[captainjp]

I do have Ethernet adapters in both comps already but have a couple of problems with this set up.

1) The Ethernet on the desktop is already taken with my Cable Modem.
I could switch the modem to connect via USB BUt I hear that will
slow down my connection.
2) My Ethernet is in the back while I have 2 free USB ports in the
front making it easier to plug and unplug as needed.

The modem issue also brings to mind another question since it has Ethernet AND USB out can I use both at the same time: Ethernet to Desktop and USB to Laptop for when I want to download a large file directly to the laptop?

[SkyDog]

If the laptop's already got an Ethernet port, you've got a few good options:

Use USB to connect your desktop to the modem, and Ethernet to connect your laptop & desktop. Then use Windows ICS (Internet Connection Sharing) to use the desktop as a gateway for the laptop to access the Internet. This is your least expensive solution, but I'm not too crazy about using USB for network or modem connections. USB would work, though, and any performance hit should be relatively minor. (Your desktop system would need to be running Windows 98 SE or newer in order to support ICS.)

Another alternative that's only slightly more expensive would be to install a second Ethernet card in your desktop computer. Connect one Ethernet port to the modem and the other to the laptop, and use ICS to provide a gateway for the laptop to access the Internet. This whole setup will cost you about ten bucks.

My preferred solution would be to use a broadband router. Connect your modem to the router, and then connect each of your computers to the router via Ethernet. This way, each machine has a direct connection to the Internet without the other computer having to be turned on. And you'll still have the same LAN connectivity as with the other two solutions. Getting a router would cost you a little over 50 bucks, which is still less than that USB adapter. (My personal recommendation would be the SMC Barricade 7004BR, which you can get for $51.99 from overstock.com. It also has a print server, so you can connect a printer to the router and print from any computer on the network without another computer having to be turned on.)

[captainjp]

OK the more I'm thinking the more I'm liking the networking idea that way not only can I share files but internet and printer. BUT if I have to bring the laptop into the room the desktop is in to surf teh web or print something then why don't I just do it on the desktop to begin with?
Now I have heard about networking the computers just buy pluging them into power outlet and connecting them through the houses exixting wiring! Than I could be on the couch in the living room one day and the bathroom the next! Has anyone tried these out? Would I still need a router if I want to share the modem or printer?

[SkyDog]

If you really want to be mobile with the laptop, I'd suggest a wireless router instead of phoneline or powerline networking.

Whether you use phoneline, powerline, or wireless, a router is still the recommended way to go. But you could forego a router and use your desktop and Windows ICS using any of the three methods.

Here's what I'd recommend:
Router: D-Link DI-713P - $59.95 after $30 rebate
Review on Practically Networked
Wireless NIC for laptop: Belkin F5D6020 - $42 + $5.95 shipping
Review on 80211-planet.com

Your desktop machine would connect to the router using an Ethernet cable, so you don't need a wireless card for it.

[ewitte]

Originally posted by SkyDog
If the laptop's already got an Ethernet port, you've got a few good options:

Use USB to connect your desktop to the modem, and Ethernet to connect your laptop & desktop. Then use Windows ICS (Internet Connection Sharing) to use the desktop as a gateway for the laptop to access the Internet. This is your least expensive solution, but I'm not too crazy about using USB for network or modem connections. USB would work, though, and any performance hit should be relatively minor. (Your desktop system would need to be running Windows 98 SE or newer in order to support ICS.)

Never use ICS! Do it right (router) or don't do it at all.