Today it is not so rare to have more than one computer or laptop at home. Often when there are two machines, it becomes necessary to transfer certain information from one device to another. If we are talking about the need to move relatively small files, then you can use removable storage media, for example, flash drives or disks, but if we are talking about transferring significant amounts of information, then it is much faster and more practical to use a combination of two computers using network cards. Let's look at this type of connection and its benefits.
How to connect two computers: we understand
To do this, it is enough to use a crossover cable, as well as working network cards on both devices. To test the network card’s operability, just select “My computer” in the “Start” menu and then go to the “Hardware” tab, where select “Device Manager”. Network cards may appear under the name "Network Connection" or other similar to it. If it is not displayed in this section, either it is not on the computer or it is disabled in the BIOS. After preparing the cable and checking the availability and operability of the network card, there is a need to physically connect the two computers to the network, for this one end of the cable should be plugged into the network card of the first device, and the other to the card of the second. After that, it is necessary to set the status “Device in use” for each card in the device manager of each machine, and then click “OK”.
How to connect two computers: a sequence of actions for each
For both devices, it is necessary to perform the same actions, which will allow for configuration. First of all, in the control panel of the main Start menu, you should find "Network and Internet connections." Next, open the “Properties” window, in which to select a tab that contains local network connections, where we are interested in the “General” tab. In this tab, select the text in the protocol line containing the TCP / IP mark, and then click on “Properties”. Now you should check the box next to the item that indicates the need to use certain IP addresses, where you will need to fill in specific fields. You must remember that we perform the same set of actions on each computer, so the set of properties for the first and second machines will be listed below.
How to connect two computers: prescribe properties
First machine: IP address is entered - 192.168.0.110; the next is the subnet mask for both cases in the form - 255.255.255.0; the main gateway for the first case is set next - 192.168.0.110; and at the end you should install a suitable DNS server - 192.168.0.110; the last field does not need to be filled.
The second machine: the IP address is entered - 192.168.0.111; both machines need to set the same subnet mask, as already mentioned; now the main gateway for the second case is 192.168.0.110; it remains to set the preferred or suitable DNS server like the first; no more filling in anything.
How to connect two computers: configure other properties
Now, on each device, right-click the manipulator to click on the “My Computer” mark, and then select properties. Now you need to select the tab with the computer name, where and click "Change." Here we come to the fact that we would configure the device names and the name of the workgroup. For a computer, you should choose a friendly name, and remember, they must be different. It is important to note for both devices that they are members of a single working group, for which you indicate the name in the relevant paragraphs. After setting all these parameters, a reboot of the machine is required.
This is all about how to connect two computers through a cable. As for the availability of information on devices for each other, here you need to open access to the necessary folders or disks at your discretion. You can make all disks available, except the one that contains the operating system, or you can select a separate network folder that will contain information for sharing.