Ethernet cable to transfer data from computer to computer

Hey, I wasn't quite sure where to put this so I figured I'd try here.  Basically I'm wanting to know how I can send data from my computer, through an ethernet cable through a switch, to another computer, or vice versa.  Do I need a special program or anything?  The only thing I was able to find was a direct link with a special kind of ethernet cable, which is no big deal, I can always make one in the right configuration, but I'd like to avoid that if possible.

The thing you're trying to build is a local area network, or LAN.

A hub or router would work to connect the two computers with common Ethernet cables.

 

How do I get the computers to see each other on the network then?

You on windows? 

Make/Buy a "crossover Ethernet cable"

  • Plug each end of the Ethernet cable into an Ethernet network port on each computer to connect the computers together with the cable.
  • Go to any one of your computers, and click on the "Start" menu.
  • Select "Control Panel," then type "network" into the search box provided to you within Control Panel.
  • Select "Network and Sharing Center" from the options displayed in the window.
  • Select and open the icon labeled "Unidentified network" from the network map at the top of the Network and Sharing Center window. This icon may display as "Multiple networks" if you have more than one network.
  • Click on the message that prompts you to change the network discovery and file sharing settings, then click on the option that reads, "Turn on network discovery and file sharing."
  • Type the administrator password for the computer if prompted to do so, then press "Enter" on your keyboard. Both of your computers will now be visible in the Network and Sharing Center window, and you will have the ability to share files and other resources.

OR......plug both computers into your router/switch and set up a "HomeGroup" (youtube will show you how) 

Sounds like you've already got both computers hooked up to a switch, and I'm guessing there is a DHCP server somewhere assigning addresses (if both have internet access you're good).

Windows has file sharing capabilities built in, so just look for instructions for whichever version you have. Here's instructions for Windows 7 as an example: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/share-files-with-someone

Thanks for the tips guys!  Seems to have taken care of it.