Setting up a small LAN

[master]

Hi, looking to link my two computers together so that I can share an internet connection, files, printing etc. The hardware I have in both systems seems to be correct, two network cards. I want to link these systems together with a cable (think it's called a 'crossover' cable, it's yellow in colour). I know how to connect them, but what do you do after this? After I connect them, nothing happens? Does any body know what the procedure is?

[oracle128]

You have the right hardware setup, but you need to configure the software. If using Windows XP, go into Control Panel and run the Network Setup Wizard. Once done, you should be able to start sharing folders, printers, internet connections, etc. The process is different for other operating systems.

[G_Dem]

Make sure that it actualy is a crossover cable and not an ordinary ethernet cable, as it will not work.

Once it is correctly connected check in "network connections" that the NIC card on both computers is enabled.

Then run network setup wizard on both computers.

[master]

Whats the difference between a crossover cable and an ethernet cable, I thought they were the same? Are they different colours, just need to know how to tell them apart!

Thanks

[oracle128]

Crossover cables and patch cables (what you incorrectly call "ethernet") are the same thing; the only difference is the crossover cable has it's wires crossed at one end. Patch cables are usually blue, and crossover cables are usually yellow, but there's no standard, and either of them can be made all sorts of colors.

Info here (http://www.kelley.iu.edu/itlabs/2004_Lab_Manuals/bonus/physicalCrossoverVsStraight/PhysicalLayer.html)
How to tell the difference (http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/lan/cat3750/12225seb/3750hg/higcable.htm#wp1019301)