Swapping files

Weasel · Post by **Weasel** » Tue Apr 13, 2004 7:58 pm

No other name came to mind for what I'm looking to do.

I have two computers (one hooked to the internet and the other not) and would like to move (Big) files from one to the other. The one not hooked to the internet I can move beside the other.

(1) Now can I use the USB ports to swap the files?

(2) Will I need to buy a adaptor for this?

(3) How about the modem connector? (Meaning put them beside each other and make a network to swap the files)

Any ideas?

Xandax · Post by **Xandax** » Tue Apr 13, 2004 11:37 pm

You can make a network over the USB ports - but if I recall right - you need a special USB brigde cable to be able to it. Although it has been a while since I've made a USB network - so the technology could have evolved from what I've used myself

My advice is - if there is a network card in both computers, to use a "cross-over twisted pair" cable and make an ordinary network. It is usually by far the fastest and easiest. And such a cable and network cards are rather cheap these days.

smass · Post by **smass** » Wed Apr 14, 2004 4:36 pm

The network Xandax suggested would be fine if you have nics in each computer.

I often simply remove the hard drive from one machine and temporarily install it in the other - then swap files easily. Of course you would have to be comfortable with hardware installation to do this...

HighLordDave · Post by **HighLordDave** » Wed Apr 14, 2004 4:53 pm

What kind of files are you moving?

If you're not talking about a lot of data, you might think about investing in a flash drive or thumb drive. I picked up a 128 MB Lexar JumpDrive at Wal-Mart for $35 (USD) and they had a 256 MB drive for about $65. Then all you need is a USB port on each computer.

Mr Flibble · Post by **Mr Flibble** » Wed Apr 14, 2004 5:16 pm

There's always the CD writer option.

For very large amounts of data or for continuous use, Xandax is right. Get a couple of cheap 100mbit network cards and a crossover cable.