How to Connect Two Computers - Know All Methods

Making use of the computer and the internet is of prime importance these days. No one can remain isolated from the same. In fact, one happens to make use of the same in some form or the other. It keeps one connected with the other family members or the group members or people associated with a small business.

This way, one can share resources, data, and additional related information with great ease and convenience. It is not at all difficult to connect two systems with the help of different operating systems.

The various methods for connecting two computers are listed as below:

1. Using Ethernet Cable

Ethernet cable comes to the rescue of the users when the Ethernet ports of the two computers can be directly connected using an Ethernet cable.

• Use of the crossover cable, which is a particular cable, wired in the swap. Crossover, as the name suggests, lets the input of one computer connected to the output of the second computer.

• Some of the current computer giants do not make use of the crossover cable. So what do they use in place of the same? They make use of Auto-Medium Dependent Interface Crossover. This will help in automatically configuring the port of Ethernet.

• Some of the recently built Macintosh computers do not require such crossover cable.

Thus, the use of crossover cable depends on the individual requirements of the user and varies from person to person.

2. Windows XP

• The first step is opening the Control Panel. Next step is to give a unique name to each computer along with the identical workgroup name for both the machines.

• Establish the network connection forms the next step. This can be done with the help of crossover cable.

• Last but not the least is enabling file sharing with the help of Windows Firewall Settings. Both the computers must be connected accordingly.

3. Windows 7, 8, Vista

• It is quintessential for a minimum one of the computers to be connected making use of Windows 7, 8, or Vista when one talks about crossover cable.

• Next in line is opening the “Network and Sharing Center,” and perform the desired tasks depending on the operating system being used by the computer.

• The third step is selecting the network that means choosing the right network icon.

• The last step about this operating system is making the network discovery active that is turning it on. Enter the confirmation password if the need be.

4. Macintosh OS X

• Ethernet cable needs to be connected between the ports of the two computers.

• Network preferences must be set accordingly. Checking the Ethernet cable is essential.

• File Sharing must be enabled.

These are some of the ways through which the various operating systems on the two computers can be connected to each other. One can make use of the specific option as per the things in hand.