My son has asked me to set up a connection between 2 pc's to share files and music. Being a complete novice I have no idea where to start. I have 2 PC's running XP pro and a X-over cable. If anybody can advise what I do and/or where I start it would be massivley appreciated.

http://www.wown.com/j_helmig/winxppro.htm

All you should really need to do is right mouse click on "My Computer" click the "Identification" tab and click the "Change" button. Make sure that in the "Workgroup" section that you have the same name... I think the default is Workgroup. Change the names on the computers to Bob and Mary... or something you'll remember. Go to your folder that you want to share and right mouse click on it. Click "Sharing and SEcurity" check the "Share this folder as" and your good. Then go to Start/Search/Computers or People/A Computer on the Network then search for Bob (the other computer) When the icon shows up, double click it and you should see the folder you just shared. There's your files. This is all assuming that your IP addresses are the same... if this doesn't work... click the "My Network Places" icon and use the "Set up a home or small office network" then run the search again. Good luck.