How to HookUp Laptop to PC?

[nightsky]

Running win98se on PC and win98 on Laptop- HP Pavilion 3150
I want to copy and download files and programs frm PC to Laptop for on the road use. 2nd how do I connect the laptop to the internet on the road or in a tractor trailer truck?
Thnx

[SimonFF]

Easy way would be to setup a small network between the PC and Lap top, just pick up a cheap hub and create a work group.

If you want internet on the road then your laptop will need bluetooth or infra red. Then you will need a mobile with bluetooth or infra red! Setup the laptop to dial though your mobile.

[edfair]

Sounds like an ideal application for wireless. Assuming you are getting into truckstops that have wireless capability.
Mobile wireless is another can of worms.

[nightsky]

I have a Direct Cable and can't afford anything since I am new on the job and unemployed forever. All I want is to connect my laptop to my PC and get my favorites, address book, and some other files onto the laptop from PC.
What is printer port capture? And what do I put in path? How do I map the pc to laptop network? Thnx

[Redo40]

If each computer has a network card you can get a crossover cable to connect the two. Enable file sharing, give each computer an unique name and give them both the same workgroup name.

[nightsky]

Don't know if my HP Pavilion n3150 which is an old laptop has a network card. My PC doesn't have one either. What kind of network cards do I hav to get? Can I just buy two and put them in myself? With a Hub do I still need network cards?
Thnx

[mystvearn]

Laplink should help..but that cots money-and you need the cable

[nightsky]

Which brand - Linksys, Netgear, D-Link card for HP Pavilion N3150 Laptop.
What specs am I looking for? And How much should I pay for one of these cards? This is just to get online when I have free time at a truckstop or terminal.

[flanzig1]

Any of the brands you mentioned are good. Most cards today are 100meg. Costs are about $30 to $40 ea.
If you do the NIC path,follow what redo40 says.
Something to be aware of, each truck stop may have different types of internet access, ie:dial-up,wireless,etc.

[GaryRouth]

Here are a few examples of what should work to connect the laptop and desktop, and get you online at truckstops with either dialup phone, ethernet, or 802.11b wireless. Setup instructions come with the cards. Sent to your door for $59 (shipping costs included): Notebook card, desktop card, wireless card, crossover cable:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduc...ion=39-130-002
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduc...ion=33-129-205
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduc...130-005&depa=1
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduc...107-216&depa=0

. . . Gary

[nightsky]

Thnx Gary... was wondering if I cld go out and buy this stuff now at bestbuy, compusa or walmart ? Otherwise I will just go ahead order everything and wait till I come hme again.

[GaryRouth]

Yes, you could shop locally, and compare prices. The selection varies a great deal from store to store, and some ask somewhat ridiculous prices for those notebook network cards. Sometimes more than all four items I listed from newegg.

Your online opportunities are going to be limited to those places you stop at that have either a phone line, ethernet jack, or wireless hotpoint that you can use. For the dialup, you'd use your existing Internet account.

To be able to go online at anytime from practically anywhere, you'd need a mobile-phone capable PC-card modem for your notebook. This would allow you to connect from anywhere you could get enough cell signal. You'd use your existing Internet account, but would want to search for local access numbers to avoid tolls. My father has connected this way for years. It's fine for email and forums, not much else = because cell phone connections are notoriously noisy and slow... You have to pay for all that cell-phone use, too.

The guys with big bucks drive their RVs with satellites on top & enjoy the most connectivity of all. [not too good in caves, though ] ...but they pay for all that, expensive equipment, expensive service accounts . . .

Enjoy your travels
. . . Gary

[nightsky]

Followed instructions
http://www.homenethelp.com/web/howto/net.asp
Got Direct Cable Connection between Laptop & PC to work using LPT1 cable connect, TCP/IP, MS for Networks, Files and Printer Sharing

[GaryRouth]

Hi again

The reason for the two notebook cards = one is for your ethernet connection (whether at home or on the road). The other is for wireless connections. I don't know if they make "combo" devices yet [both types of connections on one card ---> there are combo cards for modem/ethernet, but I haven't seen a wired/wireless notebook card (but then I haven't been looking for them, either)]

I haven't done the Direct Cable Connection thing, oddly enough (even though I've been around computers so long). But if I remember, the Win98 help guide is pretty step-by-step straightforward. I'd use ethernet and a crossover cable for the cheapest, easiest, most flexible, network. Later on you can add a hub/switch/router for more features (such as internet sharing and a firewall).

I imagine the path it wants would be something like \\nightskys98pc\lpt1, where the "nightskys98pc" is whatever name you've given your computer when you installed the networking features. Not sure where you are when you are trying to capture the port - are you in some setup screen for Direct Cable Connection? It might offer to "Browse" for the port, or let you select it from a list.

If you try the ethernet approach, you don't need to worry about capturing printer ports. It's a very simple setup - you just follow the instructions that come with the cards.
. . . Gary

[Edit - just saw your last post - must have been typing at the same time! Nice work setting up the Direct Cable connection. That will allow you to transfer things at home. If you want to be able to connect on the road, you still have the low-cost option of using the built-in modem in your Pavilion. Then if you see ethernet or wireless opportunities a lot, you can add those cards later - you can probably add an ethernet card to your desktop pc for $5 if you find a card locally.]

[nightsky]

Gary, I ordered the stuff frm egghead already. Just wanted to transfer some files, web making apps and progrms to laptop to work on in my spare time away frm hm. Thx

[GaryRouth]

Sounds like you're all set. My folks are full-time RVers, driving around the country (countries, I guess, they've been up to Canada and down to Mexico) - and they really enjoy being able to use their laptop to hookup for that latest news and email, as well as all the other things it can do. Darn things are soooo much faster nowadays, too. [I still remember 2400 baud modems]

Safe Journeys
. . . Gary