Step-by-step guide to building a $15 networkStep One Ensure that direct cable connection (DCC) is installed on the both machines. To run, select Start > Programs > Accessories > Direct Cable Connection. If it's not there, I've seen it also show up under the Communications group. That would be Start > Programs > Communications > Direct Cable Connection. If you don't see it either place or anywhere else on your start menu, then it probably needs to be installed. You'll need your original Windows CD to add it to your computer. If you've added Windows components after your initial installation, then you already know how to handle this. If so, you can install it and skip down to the next paragraph. If you need help, follow this...select Start > Settings > Control Panel. When the Control Panel window opens, double click on Add/Remove Programs. Select the tab "Windows Setup" and click on the section "Communications." In the description box just below it, click on the details button. You'll get another window that will include Direct Cable Connection. Click the box next to it and hit OK. The program will then ask for your Windows CD and ultimately instruct you to restart Windows. Once your machine restarts, you are ready to pull up DCC (see above). If you want to see a picture of what all of the above looks like, click here. But be forewarned, it's a huge graphic that will take some time to load. But it will help you make sure you're in the right place. This installation will not necessary install the network components necessary to run DCC. However, during the original install of Windows on your computer, most of the necessary components probably we're installed. If you want to check or if you have any problems, you may need to work on your network settings. Click for here a separate "how to" on that. Now, after you've launched DCC, you should get the opening DCC screen that looks like this...
As you can see, you now have to select one machine to be the host and one to be the guest. For the most part, it probably won't matter which is which. In fact, you might want to experiment. In one set up I had, DCC would work when I selected one machine is host and the other as guest, BUT not the other way around. In my usual set up (connecting laptop from work to home machine), I have made the laptop the guest to ensure that work-related network settings didn't interfere with the machine trying to be host. The only critical factor is to make sure one machine is set up as host and one as guest. It won't work with two of either. Once you make your selection, click next and we'll go on now to Step Two.
All content © 1998-2007 by homePCnetwork, inc.
|
