Connecting New and Old PC

[donsor]

I have recently completed installation and start up of my new powerful PC. However, my older PC still works good with above average performance. I wish to connect the two so that I can control peripherals from the single (host PC) Presently both PC share (singly) a common monitor, mouse, keyboard and speakers using a KVM switch. I bought a Belkin Easy Transfer Cable (USB) with an accompanying application software. But first I want to make sure that it is OK to run both PCs but operate them one at a time with the KVM switch. Is this the best method to enable PCs to share peripherals?

[glc]

No, the best way is connect both computers to your broadband router with Ethernet cables and run the home networking wizard.

[donsor]

Before I choose one of the three recommended methods in Home Networking my two PCs, I need to know if there is anything wrong with running two computers simultaneiously that share peripherals such as monitor, mouse, keyboard and speaker via a KVM switch. By this I mean that while the KVM switch selector is towards one computer, the other may be sending error messages because it cannot detect the necessary peripherals.

[glc]

Nope - I have both my Linux box and Windows box on a KVM and they run 24/7. The KVM simulates a keyboard and mouse load to the inactive machine and video cards don't care whether anything is connected.

[donsor]

Glad to know that. Thanks.

The PCs were already individually connected to the 3-port Linksys Etherfast Cable/DSL Router.

How do I get to the Windows Home Networking. I do have a USB cable and a software disk from Belkin as an option.

[glc]

Send that USB kit back. If they are both connected to your router that's all you need.

To run the Network Setup Wizard, click Start -> Control Panel -> Network And Internet Connections -> Setup Or Change Your Home Or Small Office Network. (this is if you are not running classic view in control panel).