transfering files between comps

ok i have a dilemma. I dont want to leave my laptop on over night (dell 9300) to download stuff. I read that I shouldn't leave it on that long for extended periods of time cause it wears everything down. So I wanted to use my desktop to do all that and I've been transferring files through my msn messenger and I'm noticing it's really slow
Should I :
1) buy an external HD or internal HD with drive enclosure (keep in mind this is expensive external hd's are like 200ish in my area)
2) set up a home network and transfer files that way (would it be faster)
or
3) keep transfering files through msn, even though it's really slow

My friends are saying option 2 is better, but I dont know how to set up a wireless network like which would allow me to browse the files on two computers. Can anyone link a faq on how to set up a wireless network between a laptop and a desktop which would allow me to browse and transfer files between two computer?
Thanks all!!

 

I found this guide very helpful, should help you too!

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=30162

 

Using Nick's guide would be good...
just remember to use Wireless G and NOT B if you're going to transfer files... other than that, I've found that Wireless B is slightly more stable (less dropouts while using B).

I actually like your first option... an external hard drive would quickly transfer files... at the same time, it could serve as a third medium for backup purposes.

 

If you can get the two computers near each other, pick up a crossover cable and connect the two. It basically sets up a little two-computer network. I think it's one of the fastest ways to share files between close computers.

My girlfriend actually used one to migrate songs from her dying laptop to her new desktop. It was literally dying (mobo issues) and time was a factor. We got all the migration done just in time (only had about 4 mins to work with).

The crossover cable should be about 15 bucks, but can be more at big retail stores. You could probably find one online for a good price. From there, the network isn't too hard to set up. Just make sure file sharing is on.

 

Leaving it on overnight won't hurt it.

 

Yeah i forget to even mention that!

You can leave your notebook on for a week straight and it will do little or no cause as it will be plugged in 24/7.

 

people have told me that it's not good to leave stuff on overnight for extended periods of time. i dont know, i found that my desktop's life wasn't that long and i was replacing parts a lot.
how would i connect a crossover cable? Does XP detect it automatically, cause that's not a bad idea since it is a laptop connecting to a desktop

 

It's really efficient. It is basically an ethernet cable, and connects to both computers through that port.

XP would detect that the "local area connection" is connected. If you have file sharing on, both computers are named, and both have run the network setup wizard...you'll have no problem.

It's an ultra fast connection...hard wire you know...

 

I agree with the crossover cable idea. I used to use it when FTPing files from my computer to my XBOX. Now that I have a lappy it's easier to have all my computers wireless...and FTP is nice for because of the resuming file transfers feature.

I use my desktop for DL's as well since I usually take my laptop with me when I leave the house. It's nice that I don't have to worry about interrupting DL's and also making use of a very old computer.

 

is a normal ethernet cable any different to a crossover cable. I am currebtly using a multi port network card. It is really really bad it never works, cant get on other pc while on internet etc

 

Yes, unfortunately a crossover cable is different than a regular ethernet cable.

 

* Flashes back to networking CO work*

The only difference is the original cable or straight-through is as follows for the cable from 1-8:

1) White/Orange
2) Orange
3) White/Green
4) Blue
5) White/Blue
6) Green
7) White-brown
8) Brown

A crossover cable is:

1) White/Green
2) Green
3) White/Orange
4) Blue
5) White/Blue
6) Orange
7) White/Brown
8) Brown

So "pin" 1 goes to 3 and pin 2 goes to pin 6.

That is the difference.

Hope this helps.

 

thanks but the point of the difference is?

 

the point of the difference it the change in position of the (clear to send) and (ready to send) wires so that the transmit wire goes to the recieve position on the other device...Two devices transmitting on the same wire and recieving on the same wire does nothing...

cough:rep:cough

 

cough:rep:cough what

thanks

 

Interesting....thanks for the info Warlord.

 

i leave my 6000 on all the time, almost 24/7. i still get 6 hrs with my 9 cel and 4 hours with my 6 cel. it's about a year old now.

 

I'm glad to hear that. I tend to download overnight alot so the "don't leave it on" kinda scared me.

 

If both systems have USB ports, you will find additional use for the external hard drive. Where are you that a hard drive costs so much?