(Dummy alert!) How do I connect two computers?

[gagan9514]

Hi guys,
I'm a bit of a computer dummy and this might be a stupid question, but, how would connect my Compaq laptop with a Compaq desktop PC? The laptop has Windows 7 Home Premium and the desktop PC has Windows XP SP3. I wanna transfer files from my desktop to my laptop.
This question may have been answered before somewhere else on the forum, but i tried searching for it and it came up with no hits. Someone told me that there is some problem with the search function.
Anyway, so I searched on Google for how to do it and I tried a method where you simply connect the two computers with a Cat 5 cable. I did that but I didn't know what to do next. I would appreciate any help, thx.
P.S.
Like I said before, I'm bad with computers and such and I don't know if I'm using the right cable. Here's exactly what it says on the cable:
ETL VERIFIED TO TIA/ETA-568-B . 2 CAT.5 UTP 24AWG 4PAIRS PATCH CABLE
                                                        
And both my desktop and laptop only have one port for this kind of cable.

Thanks.

[computeruler]

You can attatch a cable to each of the computers Ethernet ports, then run the network setup wizard

[gagan9514]

Thx, but do i do that on both computers, or just one?

[computeruler]

both

[dahlarbear]

Hold both ends of the CAT-5 cable together, tang side down.  Now closely examine the color code (solid or stripes) on the eight wires in each connector.  If the wires at each end of the cable are in the same color sequence, you have a straight-through cable.  If they differ, you probably have a cross-over cable.  You're supposed to use a cross-over cable if you're connecting two computers directly with a single cable.  If you connect through a "hub" or "switch" you use a "straight" cable.

Many newer network adaptors will "accept" a straight CAT-5 cable connecting two computers because they're programmed to logically cross-over the appropriate wires at the connector if necessary.

You use a "cross-over" cable to connect like equipment, e.g two computers; a "straight-through"cable to connect unlike equipment, e.g. computer to switch.

[gagan9514]

Thx for the tip, Dahlarbear. Apparently, I have a "stratight-through" cable.
I guess I'll just use a re-writabel cd insted.

[computeruler]

Try the cable anyways

[dahlarbear]

Home networking...  What a broad and glorious subject...  I've found the following to be a well organized site for Home Network, Wireless Network and Computer Networking Made Easy.

They haven't updated the information for Windows 7 yet, but I believe it's current for Vista.  There were changes made between Windows XP and Vista that you can trip over but I'm hoping there weren't significant changes between Vista and Windows 7.  What am I saying...  You should be able to use this information to successfully work with your Windows XP and Windows 7 systems.

I guess I'll just use a re-writabel cd insted.

That will work.  My first choice would have been a USB thumb/flash drive.  A more permanent solution would be to purchase a "wireless" home router (or wired if you're concerned about health risks of wireless signals) and setup a home network.  You would then configure the internal network (home computers) to permit file and/or printer sharing as needed.  Many people have done this.