When you want to transfer a large amount of data from one computer terminal to another, the problem often arises that copying to removable media, even of a sufficiently large volume, takes a very long time. Isn't it easier to connect the terminals directly? To do this, you will have to solve the problem of how to connect a second computer to the computer so that the data transfer rate is maximum. Next, two main methods of such a connection will be considered. Along the way, we will consider the issues of connecting a second monitor to one terminal or laptop.
How to connect a second computer to a computer: connection options
There are not so many connection options that there are stationary PCs and laptops among themselves. Connecting a second computer to the main terminal in all cases without exception boils down to combining them into a network.
But connecting two devices can be done in two ways: either use a cable connection through a network cable called a patch cord, or through a router using Wi-Fi.
Cable connection
So, for starters, consider how to connect a second computer to a computer using a patch cord.
The power cord itself is a cable with two RJ-45 connectors on both ends. It goes without saying that both terminals must have network cards with drivers correctly installed for them. Operating systems can be different (this does not play a role).
First, you need to insert the RJ-45 connectors into the network card sockets of both terminals so that they are directly connected to each other. After that, the question of how to connect a second computer comes down to setting up a local network and checking the connection.
First of all, you need to open the system properties (for example, by right-clicking on the computer icon) and go to additional parameters. In the system properties window, the computer name tab is used, where you need to change it by clicking on the corresponding button.
Note that computer names must be different. For example, on one terminal it will be the name Comp 1, and on the second, Comp 2. It doesn’t matter so much how you name both terminals. The main thing is that the names differ, and in the given names only Latin letters, numbers or additional characters are used. You can also specify the name of the working group, but it is strongly recommended that you leave it unchanged. In addition, on both terminals it should be the same if it is changed.
Next, you need to save the changes and go to the "Network and Sharing Center", where you should select the option to change the properties of the network adapter. If the connection is made correctly, a new icon will appear in a new window on which you need to right-click and select the property bar.
After that, IPv4 is selected in the window and the properties button is clicked. Now attention! The subnet mask will be the same (it will automatically attach when you enter IP). For Comp 1, the address 192.168.1.1 is registered, for Comp 2 - 192.168.1.2. Be careful. DNS addresses remain unchanged (usually set to automatically receive them).
After saving the changes, the connection will be established. Now you need to check if it works. To do this, on the first terminal, you need to call the "Run" console and register the ping command ping 192.168.1.2. After a couple of seconds, a response in the form of transmitted packets should come from the second computer. The same procedure is performed on the second PC with the only difference being that the address of the first terminal (192.168.1.1) is specified for the ping command.
Wi-Fi network connection
Now let's see how to connect a second computer to a computer using a wireless network. First, in the "Network Control Center" you need to create (add) it using the corresponding line with a hyperlink.
In the window that appears, the computer-to-computer network is selected, in the next window the continuation button is simply pressed, after which you need to enter the network name and the independently invented security key in another window. Then you just need to save the changes, and the network will appear in the list.
It is important to remember that the Internet connection is made through a router, so when you activate the created network, the Internet will be unavailable.
How to connect a second monitor to a computer
Now a few words about connecting two monitors to the same terminal. There are three ways to do this:
- use several outputs of one (necessarily discrete, but not integrated) video card;
- install a second card;
- make a connection through a splitter (splitter).
The second and third options are quite simple, though when using a splitter on the monitors, the operating update frequencies may decrease. Consider the first option, when both monitors are connected to the same card.
As a rule, all modern graphic cards have several video outputs, so connecting both monitors will not be difficult. However, one should pay attention to the moment that the main monitor must be connected to the output of a higher level. For example, if you have HDMI and VGA outputs, the main monitor is connected via HDMI, the second through VGA.
When both monitors are connected, you just need to load the operating system, and it will determine the presence of a second device. After that, in the screen settings, you can select the desired action (stretching the image, duplicating the screen, using the projector, etc.). By the way, in the screen settings (in the settings there will be two images with numbers), you can set completely different modes for both monitors, change resolution, orientation and much more as you wish.
Possible connection problems
But back to the issue of combining the two computers. Sometimes it happens that one computer does not see the second computer terminal. What is the problem? Most likely, the cause is damage to the network cable, if it was made by one's own hands, the contacts may be connected incorrectly. But most often the reason is the incorrect assignment of terminal names, workgroup names and IP addresses. Therefore, if such a problem occurs, first check the settings are correct.
Conclusion
As you can see, connecting two computers or connecting multiple monitors (not necessarily only two) does not present any particular difficulties. The main thing here is to be careful when setting up. Otherwise, there should be no problems with properly functioning equipment.