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I'm trying to network two computers together in order to play games (narf). I connected them physically with a network cable, what next?

Thanks in advance.

[Chris]

did you just plug the cable from one computer to another? unless it's a twisted cable then that won't work. you'll need to get a router from somewhere.

[Mick Maverik]

Originally Posted by AmbientMood

I'm trying to network two computers together in order to play games (narf). I connected them physically with a network cable, what next?

Thanks in advance.

You need to make sure that the IP addresses are very similar, maybe differing by a digit? Eg, 0009998 & 0009997 or whatever. Firewalls can be a pain in the ass and prevent you from connecting as well, so make sure you've disabled them.

[Chris]

Originally Posted by YouthGoneWild

Firewalls can be a pain in the ass and prevent you from connecting as well, so make sure you've disabled them.

don't do that if they're still connected to the internet. most software based firewalls and hardware ones on routers should enable you to specify network addresses that are safe and allow communication between them.

Originally Posted by Chris

did you just plug the cable from one computer to another? unless it's a twisted cable then that won't work. you'll need to get a router from somewhere.

Yup, just plugged em up. Whats a router?

[Chris]

a router is a device for connecting multiple network devices. it's basically a box with ethernet ports on it and it enables everything to talk to each other. nowadays most come with an ADSL modem built in so you can also use them to connect multiple devices to your broadband connection.

[Neil]

You don't need a router - a network hub will be just fine. You can get them at your local PC World or whatever. An example:

http://www.dabs.com/productview.aspx...ationKey=11030

If you want to connect your PCs directly using a network cable then you need a cross-over network cable. Like this:

http://www.dabs.com/productview.aspx...avigationKey=0

You then need to make sure each computer has the correct network settings so they can see and talk to one another. If memory serves me correctly I think Windows XP has some kind of home networking wizard that will do this for you. Failing that, ask us geeks on here.

[Chris]

ah I meant hub of course. my brain never works properly at the weekend. and cross over not twisted. fucking hell. I'm not even hungover today...

[Neil]

Originally Posted by Chris

ah I meant hub of course. my brain never works properly at the weekend. and cross over not twisted. fucking hell. I'm not even hungover today...

Or maybe you just don't know what you're talking about?

Thanks a lot guys.

After I get those though, would that be *it*, I could then game all day? Are there other things that need to be done?