I'm trying to connect two computers with a parallel cable. According to XP, there is an option to allow you to connect the two computers directly like this in the network setup wizard. Okay, one of the computers has XP, so it will be simple. However, the other has Win98SE.....which completely lacks a wizard for networking. So how do I set up the Win98SE computer to run as a host in the direct parallel port connection? We are Microsoft; resistance is futile.

Direct Cable Connect - see 'Add/Remove' - 'Windows Setup' - 'Communications' Of course, you can't use an ordinary straight cable for this, has to be the 'crossover' kind (aka 'Laplink' or 'parallel file transfer' cable) Computers in the future may have only 1,000 vacuum tubes and perhaps only weigh 1 1/2 tons. - Popular Mechanics, 1949

If you don't have the right cable, and the chances are you don't as it will need a DB25 plug on either end which is not normal, don't rush out and buy one. For the same price you can get a couple of Network Cards and a length of Cat5 crossover cable for the same price. It will be easier to set up, will do the job better and a hell of a lot faster. Stuart

Networking is preferable, sure, but the price of a parallel transfer cable (here in Canada anyways) is a couple of dollars. I'd be hard pressed to find a pair of NICs and some RJ-45 for that amount. Dcc isn't the easiest thing to use though - a bit simpler is the Briggs Software Link Maven, or Total Commander Computers in the future may have only 1,000 vacuum tubes and perhaps only weigh 1 1/2 tons. - Popular Mechanics, 1949