Laptop Connection

[SuiCidAl-KiSmEt]

I was just wondering if it’s possible for laptops to communicate with each other without using a modem or router or a real internet connection. Say if me and someone else want to exchange files or programs, send e-mails or go on AIM, we both have a laptop, is possible for me to do that with out connecting to an internet? You see I'm moving in a couple weeks either by car or airplane so it'll be kind of boring during the way.

[U-238]

It's possible allthough some of what you want isn't (you're not going to be able to use IM without internet.) And I'm not sure how (or if it's possible) to connect wirelessly without a router. But if you're looking to just connect and don't care about the way of doing it just use a crossover cable. It fits into the RJ-45 jacks on the computers and can directly link two computer together.

[Basan]

Eh, I've tried and succeeded in the past with IR's (Infra-Reds) between laptops. :) Not a very good method, though, if you're not on a stable position with the aligned laptops.

[U-238]

Infared is also out dated so, unless you're using an older laptop, that's kinda out of the picture.

[Basan]

Blue tooth then, eh? :confused: I've heard a few things about some USB Pens using this tech' but ain't sure of it's effectiveness or easiness to pull off the way you want it to (with Hamachi (http://www.hamachi.cc/) along, most likely). ,)

[hammocksleeper]

i'm pretty sure there is a way to do peer-to-peer connections with your wireless cards. i don't know how though. crossover cable works too.

[bluemicrobyte]

You wouldn't be able to send email or use AIM or other internet based applications without a connection to the internet. Programs that have a specific network mode (such as games with multiplayer LAN) would work though. You should also be able to transfer files between the computers once you configure them correctly.

[xodkrm]

I'm going to be having a LAN party with my fellas next weekend, and we can't figure out how to connect the comps together. For instance, we can't use the LAN connection for WC3.
1. How do I correctly set up LAN
2. How do I share files in LAN?

[TimP]

1. How do I correctly set up LAN
You can hook a bunch of computers together with a simple switch, but a switch alone will just provide a LAN. If you want to access the internet you'll need them all on the same router.

2. How do I share files in LAN?
If you're all on the same Windows Workgroup, you can setup Windows File Sharing.

[xodkrm]

Yes, we tried sharing the internet on one router, but that doesn't seem to work

[bluemicrobyte]

Step 1) Obtain and set up (plug in) a router.

Step 2) Connect your modem (internet) directly to the router via network cable. The modems wire plugs into the routers WAN or Internet outlet.

Step 3) Connect each computer to the router via network cable OR wireless connection.

Step 4) Configure each computer to access the internet through the router and network card. Don't worry about file sharing or LAN games just yet, but make sure each computer can access the internet.

Step 5) Assuming all computers are running windows XP, run the Network Setup Wizard on each computer and enter the same info (workgroup, etc).

Step 6) Restart everything, and voila! Instant Local Area Network usable for file/print sharing, internet sharing, and LAN games.

PS) Step 7 might be to check everything to make sure it works by trying to share a folder on your computer, or by trying to play a LAN game of WC3. Also, make sure all firewalls are set to allow LAN connections.