How to Setup Computer to Computer Networking

So, when we are ready to Connect One Computer to Another Computer, without a Hub or Switch, simply do the following ...

Install 10/100 Mbps Ethernet Cards in Both the Computers. I Recommend Class1 Products like 3COM, D-Link etc.,

Open Control Panel ---> Open Netowk ----> Open TCP/IP Properties

In the First System :

Use IP Address : 192.168.10.1 and Subnet Mask : 255.255.255.0

In the Second System :

Use IP Address : 192.168.10.5 ( except 192.168.10.1, first system's IP )
and Subnet Mask : 255.255.255.0

Open Control Panel ---> System ----> Open Computer Name

and Press "Change" Button.

Here, use different Computer Names to both the Systems and use Unique Workgroup name to both the Systems.

Example : First System's Computer Name = User1 and Workgroup = Home
Second System's Computer Name = User2 and Workgroup = Home

Then, in each System, apply sharing to atleast One Folder or Drive.

Example : Right Click on Folder (or) Drive, Click on Sharing and Security
Then, Click on Share This Folder -----> Apply ---> Ok.

Now, the Configuration Part is Over. Prepare a RJ-45 ( Cat5 or Cat6 ) Cable with RJ-45 Clips as Cross Cable. To know more about this Cable, Open Cabling Types in my Blog. This Cross Cable is used to Connect Computer-to-Computer (or ) Hub/Switch-to-Hub/Switch.

Now, go to DOS Prompt by typing cmd (or) command and the Run Menu. At the DOS Prompt, in the First System, give the following Command :

ping 192.168.10.5

The above address checks the loopback from First System to the SecondSystem.

If the Result is Reply from 192.168.10.5 XXXXX xXXXXXX XXXXX ( four times ), then you have done the Networking Successfully. If it is failed, the Result comes like Request not found (or) Destination not found. If it is a failure, you have to check your Network Cable and Network Cards.

With this Nework, you can Share : Files/Folders, Printers, Scanners and Internet also. For Internet Sharing, you can use Microsoft Internet Sharing or a Proxy Server.

All the best !!